African-American History Month: Medgar Evers

Medgar Evers (1925-1963)
Medgar Evers was a black civil rights movement activist. He joined the NAACP in his twenties and quickly became a full–time chapter organizer. He was in his early 30's when he was named NAACP state field secretary. He was a vocal contributor to the NAACP and spent a great deal of time organizing and participating in picket lines, economic boycotts, vigils, meetings and marches.

Unfortunately, his notoriety made him a target for violence. On June 12, 1963 Byron de la Beckwith shot Evers in the back. He died shortly thereafter at a nearby hospital. As a tribute to Evers' far–reaching contributions, his family received the Spingarn medal.

His murder was a catalyst for President John F. Kennedy's move to push for a civil rights bill that would ban segregation. Medgar Evers has been immortalized in mottoes, songs and movies — remembered always as an activist who paid the ultimate price in the struggle for equality.

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