His daughter Wanda Evers says she appreciated hearing . [28], Evers appointed a black police force and several black staff members. Evers was interviewed by The HistoryMakers on May 24, 2017. [11] He also helped his brother with black voter registration drives. Charles Evers, who led an eclectic life as a civil rights leader, onetime purveyor of illegal liquor in Chicago, history-making Black mayor in deeply segregated Mississippi and contrarian with connections to prominent national Democrats and Republicans, died Wednesday. The music icons third kid arrived on December 31, 1971. Caroles second daughter was born on March 3, 1962. All rights reserved. In 1989, Evers was defeated for re-election after serving sixteen years as mayor. [49], In 1983, Evers ran as an independent for governor of Mississippi but lost to the Democrat Bill Allain. In what was a surprise to both everyone in the studio and listeners around the metro area, she replied by saying, Im going to run for mayor., I live here. "I think (Medgar) would say that Black on Black crime is the worse part of voter suppression," Frazier said. Municipal elections are currently scheduled for next summer with Lumumba and Evers the only two candidates thus far. He continued Medgar's work as state field secretary for the NAACP's Mississippi chapter and led many . Vote for somebody that is going to do right by the city of Jackson.. [13] Charles learned of his brother's death several hours later and flew to Jackson in the morning. She also appeared as an actress in Chicken Soup with Rice and Really Rosie. In this role, he organized and led many demonstrations for the rights of African Americans. He is in charge of overseeing both the online and on-air product for SuperTalk Mississippi News, which airs on 48 stations across the state. The Grammy winner experienced motherhood again during her second marriage with Charles Larkey. They alsowitnessed the laying of a blackwreath decorated with white flowers and a ribbon painted with gold lettering spelling Evers' name. a proud member of the "Republicans gain in statewide municipal elections", Last edited on 21 December 2022, at 23:13, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, "Evers, James Charles (1922 ) | The Black Past: Remembered and Reclaimed", "Charles Evers, Businessman and Civil Rights Leader, Dies at 97", "Charles Evers, WMPR, Jackson, Mississippi", "Medgar Evers Assassinated Jun 12, 1963", "Gates: Charles Evers rich part of states history", "Nomination of Charles W. Pickering Sr., of Mississippi, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Fifth Circuit (continued)", "Evers comments on Obama becoming 1st African-American president", "Charles Evers, brother of Medgar Evers, dead at 97", "Whoopi Goldberg and Alec Baldwin Star in Medgar Evers film 'Ghosts of Mississippi', "Black disc jockeys honored with blues marker | The Mississippi Link", I've Got the Light of Freedom: The Organizing Tradition and the Mississippi Freedom Struggle, Oral History Interview with Charles Evers, from the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library, LIFE Magazine "A Black Governor for Mississippi?" [54], Evers wrote two autobiographies or memoirs: Evers (1971), written with Grace Halsell and self-published; and Have No Fear, written with Andrew Szanton and published by John Wiley & Sons (1997). I'm tired of being out front. So had her son, Darrell. The song became the theme for the WB hit Gilmore Girls after the pair changed the original lyrics to reflect their mother-daughter bond. [1] Charles fell in love with a Philippine woman while stationed overseas. In 1998, he and his wife founded Proclaim a Christian publication based in Mississippi. Charles Evers was an American civil rights activist, businessman, disc jockey, politician and father. CHARLES EVERS OBITUARY. He was made the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) State Voter Registration Chairman in 1954. Angels We Have Heard on High by Audible Waters, Report of an Execution From a Future Christian Nationalist State, John Throckmorton and Separation of Church and State. Local Mississippi Breaking News Story from CBS . He explained, "My feeling is that Negroes gotta control somewhere in America, and we've dropped anchor in these counties. Charles was a trailblazer in politics and a fearless leader, alongside his brother Medgar, for Civil Rights," he tweeted with a photo showing himself meeting Evers in the Oval Office. He quickly responded to concerns from poor blacks while making white businessmen wait outside of his office. Major Nicolas E. Kreel who is married to Charlene Evers, one of Charles Evers'daughters said attending such events helps avoid past mistakes. By the early 1950s, he was managing a hotel, cab company, and burial insurance business in the town. ADVERTISEMENT Evers, who was born in Decatur in Mississippi on September 11, 1922, was considered one of the pioneers of the civil rights movement. He was born in Avon Park, FL to parents Louis R. and Ola Mae Evers. [5], On July 22, 2020, Evers died in Brandon at age 97. With your help, we've gotten a lot done but we're not finished yet! SuperTalk Mississippi Media is Mississippis leader in news, politics, sports, music, and all things Mississippi. J.T. C&W Embroidery is one of the nations largest contract embroidery firms. Evers returned to Mississippi, in 1963, after the assassination of his beloved brother, civil rights activist Medgar Wiley Evers. Carmigo is an online vehicle marketplace connecting individual sellers with dealerships. All Rights Reserved. Evers received his B.S. White supremacist Byron De La Beckwith was arrested andtried twice in 1964, with both trials ending in a hung jury. [45] The night of the election, Evers shook the hands of Waller supporters in Jackson and then went to a local television station where his opponent was delivering a victory speech. He ran for governor in 1971 and the United States Senate in 1978, both times as an . In the interview, co-host David Watkins asked Evers what can be done to put a halt to Jacksons problems. He ran for governor in 1971 and the United States Senate in 1978, both times as an independent candidate. They were interested in Jomo Kenyatta and the rise of the Kikuyu tribal resistance to colonialism in Kenya, known as the Mau Mau uprising as it moved to open violence. The Honorable James Charles Evers, brother of slain civil rights leader Medgar Wiley Evers, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at the home of his daughter, Charlene Evers-Kreel. Graham added that through the Teacher Ranger Teacher program next year, the agencywill develop lesson plans based on Medgar and MyrlieEvers' lives. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. He passed away this week in Brandon, Mississippi, of "natural causes." 5. In 1989, Evers lost the nomination once again to political rival Kennie Middleton. An only child, Charles was born in Queens, NY, on September 11, 1939, to Charles and Veronica Evers. . Evers returned to Mississippi, in 1963, after the assassination of his beloved brother, civil rights activist Medgar Wiley Evers. [10] He decided to relocate to Mississippi to carry on his brother's work. Charles Evers, the older brother of slain civil rights leader Medgar Evers, died at home of natural causes on Wednesday at the age of 97.. Evers was surrounded by relatives at his daughter's . By early 1968 he had established a network of local NAACP branches in the region. "[19], With his voter registration drives having made Fayette's number of black registered voters double the size of the white electorate, Evers helped elect a black man to the local school board in 1966. CHARLES Evers was a civil rights leader and politician. [8] After serving a year of reserve duty following the Korean War, he settled in Philadelphia, Mississippi. Wanda made the announcement on the radio show WMPR 90.1. In 1965 he launched a series of black boycotts in southwestern Mississippi to protest segregation, which dramatically increased his public profile. Charles Evers became the NAACP's State Voter Registration Chairman in 1954 . "It's a sacred tradition because it is giving proper tribute to our forefathers in the city of Jackson. Fayette was a small, economically depressed town of about 2,500 people. Charles received a . By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and that you have read our Privacy Policy. Civic activist and political leader Charles Evers was born on September 11, 1922 in Decatur, Mississippi to Jess Wright and James Evers. She was the daughter of Johannes Gosch and Anna Gosch. After walking down the aisle in 1970, Carole and the I Wasnt Born to Follow crooner welcomed their daughter, Molly, in 1971. [10], In Mississippi about 1951, brothers Charles and Medgar Evers grew interested in African freedom movements. Charles Evers describes his mother's family background, Charles Evers describes his father's family background, Charles Evers remembers his community in Decatur, Mississippi, Charles Evers describes his relationship with his brother, Medgar Evers, Charles Evers describes the sights, sounds and smells of his childhood, Charles Evers talks about his early education, Charles Evers describes his father's lumber stacking business, Charles Evers recalls his decision to enlist in the U.S. Army, Charles Evers recalls his start in the funeral business, Charles Evers talks about his experiences during World War II, Charles Evers remembers picking pecans with Medgar Evers, Charles Evers remembers his family traditions, Charles Evers recalls his early experiences of religion, Charles Evers remembers the lynching of James Tingle. Stay up to date with all of Mississippis latest news by signing up for our free newsletter here. He gained enough money to purchase several bars, bootlegged liquor, and sold jukeboxes. Charlie's only sister Patsy Evers Widman preceded him in death in 2008. I think Medgar's death was a cathartic experience. Like her mom and older sister, Sherry is a talented singer and songwriter. Its one of the cards life deals you, which you are powerless over.. Charles introduced Medgar to the U.S. civil rights movement and was a successful organizer in his own right. Featured from Left to Right: Attorney Hiram Eastland, Mayor Johnny Ford of the World Conference of Mayors, Mrs. Charlene Evers-Kreel, Daughter of the late James Charles Evers, Ms. Reena Evers-Everette - Daughter of the late Medgar Wiley Evers and niece of the late James Charles Evers, Rob Neal of The International Black Broadcasters Association, and Dr. Robert Smith, physician, civil rights . (WLBT) - Wanda Evers announced Wednesday that she is running for Mayor of Jackson. Robert Martin, chairman of the board for the airport, saidthe Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport wouldnow include theMedgar Wiley Evers Museum. King created the Medgar Evers Homecoming Festival, an annual three-day event held the first week of June in Mississippi. Bernard Evers Jr.; and by his wife of 51 years, Mary Jane Hibbett Evers. ", Mississippi Delta High School: Mississippi Delta high schoolers to merge civil rights lessons with filmmaking, C.T. James Meredith is a political activist, writer, and Air Force veteran who was the first African American student admitted to . My contact info is in the About tab of the blog. In what was a surprise to both everyone in . This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. The memorial was also dedicated to Charles Evers, the first Black elected mayor of a Mississippi city and Medgar Evers' brother, who died in July 2020 at the age of 97. Evers died Wednesday, July 22, at his daughter's home in Brandon. [50], Evers endorsed Ronald Reagan for President of the United States during the 1980 United States presidential election. She despised her name, he said. [40][43] Despite the fears of public observers, the campaign was largely devoid of racism and Evers and Waller avoided negative tactics. The NAACP named Evers their 1969 Man of the Year. He was 97. Yolanda King, the daughter of civil rights activist Martin Luther King, portrayed Medgar Evers ' daughter Reena Evers in this film. Evers returned to Mississippi, in 1963, after the assassination of his beloved . JACKSON, Miss. He also established the Medgar Evers Community Center at the outskirts of town, which served as a center for registration efforts, grocery store, restaurant, and dance hall. Before his assassination in 1963, Medgar Evers was one of the nations most prominent civil rights leader, working to overturnsegregationat theUniversity of Mississippi, end the segregation of public facilities and expand voting rights forAfrican Americans. Prosecutors further accused him of depositing town funds in a personal bank account. He was 97 years old. BRANDON, Miss. "[31] He endorsed white segregationist Jimmy Swan in the Democratic primary, reasoning that if Swan won the nomination, moderate whites would be more inclined to vote for himself in the general election. He remained as mayor of Fayette until 1989. After the assassination of his brother, Medgar, . In 2015, Bishop Matthews was appointed as the President of the Church of God in Christ World Missions. Evers then outlawed the carrying of firearms within city limits.[3]. [5][6] He was the eldest of four children;[6] Medgar Evers was his younger brother. Molly has become successful in her own right as an artist, and many of her creations have been put on display in exhibitions and galleries all over the world. Caroles fourth child and first son, Levi, made his arrival on April 23, 1974. In front of thenational historic landmark of thepale green home of Medgar and Myrlie Evers, located at 2332 Margaret WalkerAlexander Drive,a crowd of more than 70 peoplegathered. [22], In May 1969, Evers ran for the office of Mayor of Fayette and defeated white incumbent R. J. Allen, 386 votes to 255. Born in Decatur, Mississippi, Evers had a devoutly Christian mother and a fearless . "[28] In September 1969, a Klansman drove into Fayette with a collection of weapons, intending to assassinate Evers. According to Mollys Instagram, shes an artist, writer and organizer. 2020 - 2023 SuperTalk Mississippi Media. The post Wanda Evers, daughter of Charles, announces run for Jackson mayor appeared first on News Mississippi. Evers, has also published two autobiographies, Evers, in 1971, and Have No Fear, in 1997. "Study history and understand it," Kreel said. Glender was born in Creole, LA, on October 13, 1938 to parents Joseph Levan Broussard and Ethel Broussard Savoy. As far as her personal life, it appears Sherry was married to her ex-husband, Robbie Kondor. and in the name of a new college, his family resolved to carry on his work. Those who attendedheard speeches by members of the Evers family, close family friends and politicians. We believe that an informed Mississippi is a better Mississippi. Carole's fourth child and first son, Levi, made his arrival on April 23, 1974. [6] The couple divorced in June 1974. February 25, 2023, Does the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability Benefit Donors? She learned months ago that her cancer had returned with a vengeance, spreading to her lymph nodes, her lungs and her chest. To watch the interview in which Evers announced her decision, click here. Her last two unions with Rick Evers and Rick Sorenson had no kids in them. I hope Reena Evers-Everette, daughter slain civil rights leader Medgar Evers, speaks of her father's life and legacy during a memorial tribute held at their former residence Saturday morning in Jackson. Any amount helps us keep producing quality journalism for Mississippi. The Klansman defended his motives by saying, "I am a Mississippi white man". Spouse. Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba said the best way to honorMedgar and Charles Evers missionis to treat others with dignity. People who literally laid down their lives for the benefit of not only of Jackson, Mississippi, (but) for us at large.". JACKSON, Miss. [46] Learning that Evers had arrived, Waller's nervous aides hurried the governor-elect to his car. Son of Private and Private Husband of Private Father of Margaret Burbage; John EVERS; Patrick "Pat" Eivers; Charles "Charlie" EVERS; Una EIVERS and 3 others Brother of Bernard J. Evers; Private; Private; Bridget EVERS; Michael EVERS and 5 others There, he worked for a family-run funeral home, operated a taxi service, a bootleg liquor business and operated the Evers Hotel and Lounge, which featured blues bands. AP Myrlie Evers, left, and her daughter Reena Evers-Everett celebrate the murder conviction of Bryon De La Beckwith, charged with the June 12, 1963, murder of civil rights leader Medgar Evers, in . This is Mississippi. I have a business in west Jackson. [17] That year he made a bid for the open seat of the 3rd congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives, facing six white opponents in the Democratic primary. Under Mayor Flaggs leadership, taxpayers have seen groundbreaking quality-of-life improvements, the creation of innovative economic development policies, and an unprecedented pro-business environment that will benefit Vicksburg for generations to come. "She wasn't the most patient person," she said, "but her kindness and strength overcame that.". "Only when we understand the history, can we make progress to our future," Harrington said. A Republican, Evers was known for his role in the Civil Rights Movement along with his younger brother Medgar Evers. Evers, a World War II veteran, and a prominent figure in the history of Mississippi and the United States will be honored and celebrated with a sign on the one-hundredth year of his birthday. Ms. Perkins said, "Yes, Charles Evers' statement is accurate if he made it.". Vivian honored in Jackson. [4] In his response to the defeat, Evers accepted, said he was tired, and that: "Twenty years is enough. (UPDATED), Superintendent of Harvest Christian Academy Issues Statement About James MacDonalds Actions with Students. He is survived by two daughters, Linda Ann Evers and Mary Frances Evers; and one sister, Martha Evers Templeton, all of Nashville. Keena Graham, the new National Park Servicesuperintendentof the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument, announced during the memorial various initiatives the agency is working on while thehome is still closed to the public. His older brother, Charles Evers, assumed Medgar Evers' former post in the NAACP and subsequently served as the mayor of Fayette, Mississippi . On the show, she addressed several issues that she says are plaguing the city to . In 1951, Evers married Nannie L. Magee, with whom he had four daughters. Jr.; and by his wife of 51 years, Mary Jane Hibbett Evers. John Wiley & Sons, $40 (360pp) ISBN 978--471-12251-7. . [10], On June 12, 1963, Byron De La Beckwith, a member of a Ku Klux Klan chapter, fatally shot Evers's brother, Medgar, in Mississippi as he arrived home from work. Carolyn Evers Cockrell, one of Charles Evers' daughters, said Saturday's event meant more since his passing. [42], In the general election, Evers faced Democratic nominee Bill Waller and independent segregationist Thomas Pickens Brady. The couple divorced in June 1974. James Meredith. Charles Evers, the wayward older brother of slain civil rights activist Medgar Evers who picked up his sibling's mantle by leading black voter registration efforts in . In 1989 whenthe case was reopened andBeckwith was convicted andsentenced to life in prison. The music star raised her kids away from the spotlight.