The Evers Home: A legacy of courage

By Selika Sweet, M.D.

JA Guest Writer

For many years, I have told anyone who would listen about Medgar and Myrlie Evers’ home and the long journey that helped transform it into a National Monument. The story behind that designation is not simply about preserving a historic building. It is also about recognizing the individuals whose vision and determination made that preservation possible.

My mother was the first to propose that the civil rights leaders’ former home be preserved as a museum. She understood that the house was not merely a private residence. It was a place where American history unfolded and where future generations could learn about courage, sacrifice, and the struggle for civil rights.

With that vision in mind, she began working to turn the idea into reality. She approached Mrs. Norma Alexander, the daughter-in-law of Jubilee’s author, and asked for her help in writing a proposal to preserve the home. Together, they presented the idea and began working with members of the Historical Society to advocate for the protection of the house. My mother also reached out to Mrs. Myrlie Evers to emphasize the importance of preserving the home where her late husband had lived and where such an important chapter of American history took place.

Their goal was simple but powerful. They wanted the home to become a historic site where people could learn about the life and legacy of Medgar Evers and the Civil Rights Movement.

Mrs. Myrlie Evers later donated the home to Tougaloo College, following the recommendation and advocacy of my mother and members of the Historical Society. Along with the home came a $250,000 grant from the Historical Society to support renovations and preservation. My mother even treated Mrs. Alexander to lunch in appreciation for her writing talent and dedication to documenting history. In the end, the entire $250,000 was given to Tougaloo College so the house could be restored and preserved.

For my family, the story of that house is also deeply personal. We lived nearby and loved our corner home. My father planted seven pine trees and a magnolia tree along the side of our yard. The magnolia represented the State of Mississippi. The Evers children played there with my siblings, and our families shared many memories together.

Mr. Evers and my father were also fishing buddies who spent time together at the Ross Barnett Reservoir. My father was waiting with fishing bait so he and Mr. Evers could go fishing together, which helped him relax and find a moment of peace during such difficult times. 

My mother often spoke about the risks people faced during those years. My father worked as a federal employee and my mother was a teacher in the public school system. Because of their positions, both could have lost their jobs if their civil rights activities had become widely known. My mother once went downtown to march, but Mr. Evers told her, “This is not for you. Go home and help Myrlie.”

Over time, the neighborhood began to change. Crime increased, homes were broken into, cars were stolen, and illegal drug activity became more common. The crack epidemic of the 1990s devastated many Black neighborhoods, including ours. Conditions eventually became so unsafe that my family had to move away. Leaving the home and community we loved was heartbreaking because so many memories were connected to that place.

Years later, the federal government formally recognized the national significance of the property. The site was designated a National Monument and placed under the protection of the National Park Service. With that designation, the federal government assumed responsibility for preserving the home and protecting the surrounding historic area.

Today, the house stands not only as a monument to the life and sacrifice of Medgar Evers, but also as a reminder of the citizens who worked to preserve that history.

Among them is my mother, Mrs. Grace Sweet, whose vision helped begin the movement to turn the house into a museum and protect it for the nation.

At 94 years old, she remains a living link to that history. Her determination helped ensure that the story of Medgar Evers and the struggle for civil rights would not be forgotten.

Preserving history does not happen by accident. It happens because someone has the courage to act. My mother did just that. Her leadership serves as an example for others to follow, reminding us that individuals can step forward, take initiative, and help protect the history that shapes our nation.