Highlights of Medgar Wiley Evers 100th birthday celebration
Thursday, June 26, 2025
Daddy’s Daughters: VIP Reception
Daddy’s Daughters, a tender and powerful conversation featuring Reena Evers-Everette, Bettie Dahmer, and Kerry Kennedy – the daughters of Medgar Evers, Vernon Dahmer Sr., and Robert F. Kennedy, respectively. These remarkable women came together to share a rare and intimate glimpse into the lives of the giants of the Civil Rights Movement they simply called “Dad.” Due to unforeseen circumstances, Ambassador Attallah Shabazz, the daughter of Malcolm X, was unable to participate.
Rooted in love, legacy, and remembrance, this deeply moving dialogue offered personal stories that illuminate the joys and heartbreaks of growing up with fathers whose lives were defined by courage, conviction, and sacrifice. As they reflected on family, freedom, and the continued fight for justice, these daughters of the movement revealed how their fathers’ spirits live on – not only in the pages of history, but in their hearts, their work, and their everyday lives.
This session was both a tribute to the unbreakable bonds between fathers and daughters and a celebration of the enduring power of love to carry forward the unfinished work of justice. It invited us all to remember, reflect, and reimagine the future through the eyes of those who knew these civil rights heroes best – not just as icons, but as family.
Friday, June 27, 2025
Democracy in Action Convening
The 2025 Democracy in Action Convening served as a powerful welcome session that set the tone for an unforgettable weekend.
This year’s Democracy in Action Convening stood as both a tribute to Evers’ legacy and a call to action, rooted in his enduring spirit and propelled by a new generation of civic leaders.
Keynote Address
This powerful keynote address honored the life, activism, and enduring legacy of Medgar Evers, a cornerstone of the Civil Rights Movement. Delivered by Dr. Michael Vinson Williams – a renowned historian and author of “Medgar Evers: Mississippi Martyr” – this keynote provided compelling insights into Evers’ leadership in the NAACP, his unwavering fight for racial justice, and the lasting impact of his work on today’s social movements. Through historical reflection and an exploration of Evers’ influence, Dr. Williams illuminated on how his legacy continues to inspire the pursuit of justice and equality in America.
Medgar Evers
Documentary Trailer
In honor of Medgar Wiley Evers’ 100th birthday, Mississippi Public Broadcasting debuted the trailer for its Medgar Evers film series. This special sneak peek offered a glimpse into the powerful storytelling that brings Evers’ legacy to life.
The Power of the Word:
Writers, Thinkers & the Continuing Fight for Justice
4 Moderator: Dr. Ebony Lumumba
4 Panelists: Joy Reid, Dr. Eddie Glaude Jr., and Ralph Eubanks
This dynamic fireside chat explored how literature, journalism, and storytelling fuel the fight for racial justice and democracy. Inspired by Medgar Evers’ use of words to expose injustice and rally change, leading voices in media, fiction, and history examined how storytelling remains a powerful tool for advocacy, education, and resistance. This conversation reflected on how contemporary storytellers continue this mission – shedding light on historical truths, confronting misinformation, and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities.
Book Signing w/ Lunch
Plenary Panelists
Following The Power of the Word fireside chat, attendees joined panelists for an exclusive book signing and photo opportunity. They engaged with the authors whose powerful words have informed, challenged, and inspired generations.
Journalism, Truth,
and Civil Rights
Plenary Session
4 Moderator: KO Bragg
4 Panelists: Nikole Hannah-Jones, Anna Wolfe, Howard Ballou, and Jerry Mitchell
This panel discussion gathered prominent journalists, historians, and media experts to explore the intersection of journalism and civil rights. The discussion focused on investigative reporting’s role in uncovering racial injustices and the challenges of addressing misinformation in today’s media environment. Panelists examined the responsibility of journalists to uphold truth-telling and the significant influence of media in shaping public understanding, driving social movements, and advancing justice. Through this conversation, they highlighted the enduring importance of journalistic integrity in the ongoing fight for civil rights and equality.
Building Toward Justice: Continuing the Fight to
End Mass Incarceration
Workshop & Learning Session
4 Moderator: Elissa Johnson
4 Panelists: Courtney Cockrell, Norris Henderson, and Senator Derrick T. Simmons
Safe and effective criminal justice reforms have passed in Mississippi and across the country, but the devastating harms of mass incarceration continue to be a reality, especially for Black communities. This workshop highlighted recent successful policies that have begun to address America’s incarceration crisis, present research regarding the harm and cost of mass incarceration to families and communities, and discussed policies and strategies to continue the fight for justice and end mass incarceration.
Policy & Advocacy
Workshop & Learning Session
4 Facilitator: Mississippi Votes Action Fund
In this interactive breakout session, Mississippi Votes Action Fund led a deep dive into the transformative role of civic engagement, youth-led advocacy, and strategic policy reform in building a democracy that truly works for all of us.
Participants explored how local and state policies directly shape the conditions of our lives – from schools and housing to voting rights and reproductive justice – and why it’s critical for young people to not only understand policy, but to shape it. This session also highlighted how MS Votes AF builds people-powered campaigns rooted in the lived experiences of Mississippians, and how advocacy can drive change inside and outside the legislature.
Seeds of Freedom
Workshop & Learning Session
4 Moderator: Alex Lawson Jr.
4 Panelists: Cassio Batteast and Dr. Rhea Williams-Bishop
This panel – featuring historians, philanthropists, and civil rights veterans – explored how financial support fueled voter registration drives, legal battles, and educational initiatives, helping to lay the foundation for lasting structural change. The discussion also examined how today’s philanthropic landscape can draw inspiration from this legacy to invest in a future grounded in equity, truth, and transformative justice.
The Power of Art in Activism
Workshop & Learning Session
4 Facilitator: Roderick Red, Red Squared, LLC
This workshop explored how visual art, mainly through a camera lens, has been used as a powerful tool for activism. Participants learned how photographers and filmmakers use their craft to challenge injustice and amplify marginalized voices. In addition to insightful discussions, attendees told their stories through photography or short videos using their smartphones. Red Square guided participants in capturing moments reflecting their experiences and activism, demonstrating how visual storytelling can drive meaningful social change.
The Power of Song: Voices of Resistance and Liberation
Workshop & Learning Session
4 Facilitator(s): Dr. Flonzie Brown (Goodloe) Wright and Cynthia Goodloe Palmer
4 Singers: Althea Watson Lewis, Evelyn Watson Adams, and Fannie Watson Surrell
4 Musician: Harry Watson
This interactive workshop explored the role of music – especially freedom songs – as a powerful force in movements for justice, dignity, and liberation. Participants learned about the historical significance of freedom songs during the Civil Rights Movement and how music inspires activism and builds collective strength today. Through listening, reflection, and communal singing, the session examined how song serves as a tool for resistance, storytelling, healing, and hope. No musical experience was required – just a willingness to raise their voice.
Call to Action
As the day came to a close, attendees gathered to reflect on the transformative insights and collective power that defined the day.
saturday, June 28, 2025
Opening Reflections
Before diving into Day 2 programming, there was a short moment of reflection that invited attendees to pause, breathe, and reconnect to engage with clear purpose and open hearts.
Family Reflections: A Moment with the Evers Family
4 Breakfast Plenary
4 Moderator: Lance Wheeler
4 Panelists: Reena Evers-Everette, Corrie Cockrell Carter, and Courtney Cockrell
In this heartfelt moment, Corrie Cockrell Carter and Courtney Cockrell, members of the Evers family, shared their reflections on the legacy of Medgar and Myrlie Evers. With warmth and sincerity, they invited attendees into the heart of their family’s story, offering a glimpse into the struggles and triumphs that have shaped their journey. Through their voices, attendees heard about the profound impact that Medgar and Myrlie’s work continues to have on the fight for justice and equality. This intimate sharing honored the Evers family’s history and highlight the resilience, strength, and love that has carried them through decades of activism. As they reflected on the significance of the previous day’s events, this moment served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing impact of the Evers family’s contributions to the Civil Rights Movement and how their legacy continues to inspire and shape the future.
Performance
Attendees experienced a captivating performance by MADDRAMA Performance Troupe from Jackson State University under the direction of Dr. Mark Henderson. The theatrical production was appropriately named “The Creation of Medgar Wiley Evers”.
Working with Medgar: The Man and the Movement
Lunch Plenary
4 Moderator: Pamela D.C. Junior
4 Panelists: Hezekiah Watkins, Dave Dennis Sr., and Jerry W. Keahey Sr.
This plenary session delved into Medgar Evers’ leadership and personal experiences, sharing reflections from veterans of the Mississippi Civil Rights Movement. Panelists discussed how his dedication to justice shaped the movement and what it was like to work alongside him in the fight for equality. Through personal stories and insights, the session highlighted how his commitment to justice inspired and motivated those around him, helping to ignite lasting change in the fight for civil rights.
Leadership & the
Fight for Justice
4 Leadership & the Fight for Justice with Arekia S. Bennett-Scott and Stacey Abrams
Attendees joined political leader, author, and advocate Stacey Abrams for a powerful conversation with Arekia S. Bennett-Scott on the evolving landscape of leadership in the fight for justice. Drawing on her experience at the forefront of political activism and voting rights advocacy, Abrams reflected on the challenges and triumphs of building movements, combating voter suppression, and empowering communities to claim their rightful place in the democratic process. This inspiring address underscored the critical role of courageous leadership in advancing equity and protecting democracy.
Community Organizing in
the 21st Century
Workshop & Learning Session
4 Facilitators: Jelani Coleman, Field Director, MS Votes Action Fund, and Jarrius Adams, Esq.
In an era defined by rapid digital innovation, deepening political polarization, and shifting movement landscapes, community organizing remains a vital force for social and political transformation. This panel, led by Mississippi Votes, explored what it means to organize with communities – not for them – in the 21st century. From door knocking to digital organizing, mutual aid to movement strategy, panelists examined how young organizers, grassroots leaders, and movement elders are reimagining power-building in their neighborhoods and across the South.
Together, they unpacked the tools, challenges, and evolving practices shaping community organizing today – especially in states like Mississippi, where systemic disenfranchisement persists but resistance thrives. The panel uplifted lessons from campaigns that center Black and Brown youth, rural communities, and queer and trans voices, while offering insight into how we build lasting infrastructure, not just momentary momentum.
Good Grief: Healing Forward
After Loss and Fire
Workshop & Learning Session
4 Facilitators: Susan Toler Carr and Darrell Carr
This brief yet powerful talk explored the essential role of grief in personal and collective healing, particularly in the aftermath of trauma such as the 2025 Eaton Canyon Fires. Led by Susan and Darrell Carr, who turned personal tragedy into purpose, this session helped participants begin to name their pain, normalize their grief, and activate their resilience.
The Power of AI & Technology
Workshop & Learning Session
4 Facilitator: Dr. Almesha Campbell
This workshop explored the transformative power of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in advancing civil rights, social justice, and community empowerment. From digital activism to ethical AI, participants engaged with thought leaders, innovators, and historians to examine how technology can preserve history, amplify marginalized voices, and drive systemic change.
The Next 100: Inheriting a Legacy, Igniting a Future
Plenary Session
4 Moderator: Rukia Lumumba
4 Panelists: Charles Taylor, Tyler Harden, and Amir Badat
As the nation commemorated what would have been the 100th birthday of Medgar Evers, organizers closed the 2025 Democracy in Action Convening by looking forward toward the next century of possibility, purpose, and power in Mississippi.
The Next 100 was a collaborative closing plenary hosted by the Medgar & Myrlie Evers Institute and Mississippi Votes Action Fund, spotlighting the young leaders and visionaries who are shaping the civic and social justice movements of tomorrow. Rooted in the enduring legacy of Medgar and Myrlie Evers – and energized by the momentum of MS Votes’ grassroots infrastructure – this conversation uplifted the Mississippians who are redefining what democracy looks like in the Deep South.
From restoring democratic tools like the ballot initiative to advancing justice in education, economics, and healthcare, these rising voices carry forward a lineage of activism, while boldly crafting new strategies for liberation. This was not just a passing of the torch – it was a generational expansion of the fire.
Call to Action
As the day came to a close, attendees gathered to reflect on the transformative insights and collective power that defined the day.
Concert
On Saturday evening, Comedian Rita Brent hosted “A Night of Legacy and Liberation” in honor of Medgar Wiley Evers’ 100th birthday. Other performers included Tisha Campbell, Q Parker and Friends, and Leela James.
sunday, June 29, 2025
Medgar Evers Sunday
(Interfaith Worship Service) featuring Jackson Revival Center Choir
4 Master of Ceremonies: Pastor C.J. Rhodes
4 Sermon By: Rev. Mark Thompson
Medgar Evers Sunday was a spiritually-rooted celebration that brought together faith leaders, artists, and community members to honor Evers’ legacy through worship, reflection, and unity. The service included powerful musical selections, an interfaith sermon, interpretive dance, and closing blessings. The day concluded with an outdoor community meal and fellowship, affirming a shared commitment to continue the work.
