On June 12, 1963, a middle class, college-educated World War II veteran and father of three was shot in front of his home. That man was Medgar Evers, notable civil rights activist.

He was initially refused entry at a Jackson, Mississippi hospital because of the color of his skin. Let that sink in.

The man who assassinated him was able to walk free for over thirty years, because a state agency assisted the defense attorneys, using state resources to investigate potential jury members and ensure the best (all white) jury. Let that sink in.

The white Governor of Mississippi interrupted the testimony of Mr. Evers’ widow during the second trial to shake hands with the assassin. Let that sink in.

Five days before his death, Medgar Evers spoke these words:

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.

Let’s work together to keep this better life a reality and continue moving forward.