Many Mississippians were proud to learn that the U.S. Postal Service honored two of its natives. Jackson State University hosted the Pioneers of the Civil Rights Stamp Unveiling.
Mississippi civil rights figures Medgar Evers and Fannie Lou Hamer are featured on the U.S. postage stamps, which was released earlier in February.
“From coming on campus secretly in ’63, to being out in the open, now JSU is a light house,” said Willie E. Blue, a civil rights pioneer. “I’m proud of Dr. Mason and what he’s done for the university and the civil rights movement. Our history will be preserved through Dr. Mason.”
JSU President, Ronald Mason, Jr. said, “We’re glad that the U.S. Postal Services are honoring them.”
Many gathered in the General Purpose Room of Jacob L. Reddix Hall at JSU for the stamp unveiling. Family members, other civil rights pioneers, and people from the JSU community were there to honor them. People of different ages and color filled the room for this historic day.
“It helps people to remember her (Hamer) because a lot of people have not heard of her, so it puts a face to her name and legacy and it’s such an honor, especially for it to be here at JSU,” said Cherraye D. Oats, Hamer’s niece and a JSU alumna.
“This is a wonderful, glorious occasion, like the late Sam Cook said, It’s been a long time comin’ but I know a change gone come,” said Virgie Faulkner, a family member of Fannie Lou Hamer.
“A lot of suffering and it finally paid off. All I can say to you out there is, it wasn’t easy,” said Charles Evers, brother of Medgar Evers.
Medgar Evers was a field secretary for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) until he was shot in his back at his Mississippi home on June 12, 1963. Hamer fought for black voting rights; she died in 1977.
“We have a lot to celebrate this day, we have a lot to celebrate everyday,” said Leslie Burl McLemore, director of the Hamer Institute.
Representatives from, both the mayor and governor’s offices were also present to announce that Feb. 26, is now known as Medgar Evers and Fannie Lou Hamer Day as well as Civil Rights Pioneer Day.
“The civil rights movement is still alive, it’s not dead,” said McLemore.
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