Here I stand on the driveway where Medger Evers, civil rights organizer, was shot in the back as he came home from work. His children and wife were in the house, and hit the floor in response to gunshots as he had taught them. I remember reading about this assassination in Life Magazine as a young teen and feeling connection with the children, admiration for the man, and horror at the manner of his death. I knew then that I did not understand the hate and fear that caused this assassination and too many others. This pilgrimage is an extension of my desire to understand better what happened around race in the American south and maybe to understand better what happens every time human beings hate each other because of some belief or characteristic. If I can't understand, at least I could stand on Medger Ever's driveway and cry for him.
I was not aware of Medger Evers and his role in the civil rights movement until these blog entries - thank you.
ReplyDeleteLike Joe, the only way I heard about Medger Evans was through you. You had spoken of him before. I am glad that you had a chance to stand on his driveway and cry for him....and perhaps everyone who has been hated because of race.
ReplyDeletestop trespassing.
ReplyDelete