“The new monument commemorates the legacy of two civil rights activists who, from their modest, 3-bedroom ranch home, devoted their lives to ending racial injustice and improving the quality of life for African Americans.”
A press release by the US Department of the Interior details the new designation of home of the late Medgar Evers and his wife Myrlie Evers-Williams as a national historic monument.
The announcement was made Thursday (December 10) by US Secretary of the Interior David. L. Bernhardt, making the Jackson, Mississippi home the 423rd unit of the National Park System.
The National Park Service obtained the property earlier this year on June 18 after Tougaloo College transferred the deed of the home.
Evers was fatally shot in the driveway of his home on June 12, 1963 by white supremacist Byron De La Beckwith after returning home from a meeting with NAACP lawyers. His life’s work to end segregation and ensure the voting rights of Black Americans and tragic death garnered national attention.
His wife, Myrlie is an activist in her own right and went on to serve as the national chair of the NAACP. She is still living and remains plugged into the ongoing racial injustice in America.
The couple’s two surviving children, Reena and James Van Evers said, “We are so pleased that the National Park Service has made our family home… a National Monument. Our parents sought justice and equality for all Mississippians and knew such change locally would impact globally.”
They continued, “The battle continues to ensure that all Americans deserve life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
The home is currently closed to public tours, but will be managed and operated by the National Park Service who are looking to collaborate with community partners in the coming months to accommodate visitors.
Photos: Getty Images