Photo by Jamel Shabazz
Myrlie Evers-Williams stands as a monumental figure in the tapestry of American civil rights and social justice. Myrlie Evers-Williams embodies resilience; despite the heartbreak of her husband’s murder and the threat it posed to her and her children, she persisted. Her tireless three-decade pursuit of justice for civil rights activist Medgar Evers culminated in the conviction of his murderer, proving her extraordinary fortitude and commitment to justice.
Evers-Williams's role in reshaping the NAACP as its first female full-time chairman in 1995 also stands as a significant chapter in her story. Her leadership was instrumental in reviving the organization's image and financial health, reinforcing its status as a premier civil rights organization in America. Her tenure at the NAACP symbolizes her ability to lead and inspire toward collective goals.
Evers-Williams's influence extended into the corporate world, where she advocated for women in non-traditional roles and made significant contributions to public policy and infrastructure. Her many writings offer a personal and historical perspective on the civil rights movement.
President Barack Obama selected Myrlie Evers-Williams's to deliver the invocation during his second Inauguration, making her the first woman and layperson to have the honor. In 2017, the Medgar and Myrlie Evers House was named a National Historic Landmark, and in 2019 became a National Monument.
The establishment of the Myrlie Evers-Williams Institute for the Elimination of Health Disparities at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in 2014 stands as a significant acknowledgment of Evers-Williams's commitment to health equality and education. She has received honorary doctorates from numerous higher institutions of learning, including Howard University, Pomona College, Medgar Evers College, Spelman College, and two Mississippi institutions- Alcorn State University and Tougaloo College.
Founded in 1989, the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Institute represents the legacies of two of the strongest champions for change in the history of our nation. Under Evers-Williams's guidance, the MMEI has become a crucial institution in the United States, dedicated to strengthening communities and ensuring that all Americans can live a life free of violence, exercise their right to vote, and pursue opportunities for advancement. The Institute’s goal to inspire, educate, activate, heal, and empower the next generation of activists is a continuation of Myrlie Evers-Williams's and Medgar Evers's dedication to creating a more equitable world.
The 2023 celebration of Myrlie Evers-Williams's 90th birthday and the 60th anniversary of Medgar Evers's assassination served as a vital reminder of the enduring legacy of the Evers. In 2024, Myrlie Evers-Williams' influence continues to shape the Institute's mission, ensuring that her and Medgar Evers's vision for justice and equality remains a driving force in the ongoing fight for civil rights.
