Date of Birth: July 2, 1925
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Date of Death: June 12, 1963
Biography
Medgar Wiley Evers was an American civil rights activist whose work significantly impacted the struggle for racial equality in the United States. Born in Decatur, Mississippi, Evers grew up in a time of severe racial segregation and discrimination. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and upon returning, he pursued higher education at Alcorn State University, where he earned a degree in business administration. Evers became deeply involved in the civil rights movement. As the first field secretary for the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) in Mississippi, he played a crucial role in organizing voter-registration efforts, economic boycotts, and investigations into crimes against African Americans. His activism made him a target of white supremacists. On June 12, 1963, Evers was assassinated outside his home in Jackson, Mississippi, by Byron De La Beckwith, a member of the White Citizens’ Council. His death became a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement, galvanizing support and bringing national attention to the cause of racial equality.
5 Interesting Facts about Medgar Evers
1. Evers’ assassination occurred just hours after President John F. Kennedy’s national address on civil rights.
2. He served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army during World War II and participated in the Normandy invasion.
3. Evers was instrumental in the integration of the University of Mississippi.
4. His widow, Myrlie Evers-Williams, continued his legacy by becoming a prominent civil rights activist and later chaired the NAACP.
5. Medgar Evers’ home in Jackson, Mississippi, is now a National Historic Landmark.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Medgar Evers
1. “You can kill a man, but you can’t kill an idea.”
2. “Our only hope is to control the vote.”
3. “Freedom has never been free.”
4. “The gifts of God should be enjoyed by all citizens in Mississippi.”
5. “I love my children and I love my wife with all my heart, and I would die, die gladly, if that would make a better life for them.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Medgar Evers did not accumulate significant personal wealth due to his focus on civil rights activism. His highest net worth was not documented.
Children
Medgar Evers had three children with his wife, Myrlie Evers-Williams: 1. Darrell Kenyatta Evers 2. Reena Denise Evers 3. James Van Dyke Evers
Relevant Links
1. [Wikipedia – Medgar Evers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medgar_Evers
2. [NAACP – Medgar Evers](https://www.naacp.org/naacp-history-medgar-evers/
3. [Biography – Medgar Evers](https://www.biography.com/activist/medgar-evers
4. [History – Medgar Evers](https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/medgar-evers
