On Friday, Navy Secretary Ray Mabus announced that the first ship he names will be the USNS Medgar Evers, a supply ship named after the slain civil rights pioneer. Mabus, a former governor of Mississippi, made the announcement during a speech at Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi. Evers was the NAACP’s field secretary in the state. He organized voter registration drives and led efforts such as boycotts and nonviolent protests to integrate public facilities, schools and restaurants.
The 37-year-old Mississippi native, who served in the Army in World War II, was assassinated in the driveway of his Jackson home in 1963. His killer, Byron De La Beckwith, was convicted fifteen years ago. His death prompted President John F. Kennedy to ask the Congress for a comprehensive civil rights bill.
“Upon returning to the United States, he took up the cause of freedom, rose to become the Field Secretary of the NAACP in Mississippi, and campaigned tirelessly to end segregation and ensure equal treatment for every American,” according to Mabus in a blog post on the White House Web site. “No less so than the heroes who have fought and died for our country overseas, he gave his life to defend America and its principles when he was assassinated in his own driveway in June of 1963.”
“The NAACP commends the United States Navy for its tribute to the great civil rights leader and pioneer Medgar Evers and congratulates his widow and member of our Chairman Emeritus Myrlie Evers-Williams,” said NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous in a statement posted on the organization’s Web site.
“Medgar Evers’ lifelong passion for civil and human rights and his selfless sacrifice for his country have inspired millions around the world. He is a shining exemplar of courage and dedication and a model for generations of civil rights activists, including myself. It is our hope that the naval troops that ride on this vessel will be inspired – as we are – by the noble life of Medgar Evers,” Jealous said.
His widow, Myrlie Evers-Williams attended the announcement at Jackson State University Friday. She served on the board of directors of the NAACP and was the first full-time chairman of the NAACP from 1995-1998.
“The Navy names ships in the support fleet to honor pioneers, explorers and other notables. The Navy ship honoring Evers is the first named for an African-American since President Barack Obama took office,” according to an Associated Press article.
U.S. Navy Illustration
