Rev. Raphael Warnock falsely accused of running over his ex-wife's foot

Georgia senate candidate Reverend Raphael Warnock has been falsely accused by his now ex wife, Ouleye Ndoye of running over her foot with his car in an incident back in March of 2020. The two were in the middle of divorce preceedings and were having an argument about his wife being allowed to take their children to West Africa for a funeral when Ndoye claims the incident happened.

His Republican challenger Sen. Kelley Loeffler, right wing pundits like Tucker Carlson, and other Republicans are trying to use this against Warnock although the incident report from Atlanta Police Department shows no injuries to Ndoye. Medical examiners also determined Warnock's estranged wife's foot was ok. Investigators wrote that she was hesitant to show her foot at first but once she did, they too saw no signs that her foot was ran over.

Warnock also addressed the incident and said that Loeffler is attacking his family close to the election and he is going to instead focus on Georgians and their needs.

"I'm going to stay focused on my family which includes their mother and I'm going to stay focused on the people of Georgia who during a pandemic are still waiting on relief all these months later while politicians including Kelly Loeffler are busy playing games."

Warnock never faced any type of charges related to this incident.

African-American doctor details racial treatment disparities in video before dying of COVID

An African-American doctor who died of coronavirus left a message about racial disparity not just when it comes to how COVID-19 affects people of color but also about medical attitudes.

Dr. Susan Moore experienced the disparities in treatment from both angles, and did not hold back in a video she posted to Facebook.

Watch her video below:

NAACP SUES PRESIDENT TRUMP FOR SYSTEMATICALLY TRYING TO DISENFRANCHISE BLACK VOTERS

The NAACP sued President Trump, his presidential campaign, and the Republican National Committee (RNC) in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia for systematically trying to disenfranchise Black voters in states across the country.

The lawsuit alleges that President Trump, the Trump campaign, and the RNC have engaged in a coordinated conspiracy to disenfranchise Black voters by disrupting vote-counting efforts, lodging groundless challenges during recounts, and attempting to block certification of election results through intimidation and coercion of election officials and volunteers. These steps to delegitimize our democracy were targeted in cities across the country with high numbers of Black voters. These actions are a clear violation of the Voting Rights Act and the Ku Klux Klan Act.

Derrick Johnson, President of the NAACP said, “President Trump and his allies have repeatedly and unsuccessfully tried to overturn the 2020 presidential election results and undermine confidence in our democracy. Across the country – from Detroit to Milwaukee, and Atlanta to Philadelphia – they have targeted areas with large numbers of Black voters and made baseless, racist claims to attempt to not count their votes. While all of the allegations have repeatedly gotten thrown out of court and no judge has found any evidence of election fraud, we cannot sit back and let these actions go unaccounted for. In order to protect the constitutional rights of millions of Black Americans, and ensure that our democracy is not delegitimized, we are bringing this lawsuit to protect the integrity of Black voters and the democratic process in which they participated and made their voices heard in record numbers.”

The NAACP joined a lawsuit that was filed on November 20th by the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF), on behalf of the Michigan Welfare Rights Organization and three Detroit residents.

National African American Gun Association (NAAGA) To hold its inaugural convention

The National African American Gun Association will host the first African American Firearm Convention in U.S. history. The Inaugural Convention takes place August 20 - 22, 2021 in Atlanta.

The Convention program will focus on topics including Firearms etiquette, training, products, Gun culture, education, safety and the Politics of Firearms in the Black Community. (www.NAAGA.co)

To cover the breadth of this historic event, the Conference will be held at the Georgia International Convention Center, over a three-day period. Each day will focus on different facets of Black American gun ownership.  It will be a celebration of our Origin, our Status, and our view towards the future.

The National African American Gun Association is a firearm association aimed in aiding the education and promotion of gun ownership to all Black Americans. Philip Smith is the National President and Founder. The organization centers its education, concerns and training around the Black community.  People of all religious, social, and racial perspectives are welcomed to join. The 2021 theme is "We Are Family" as we bring together attendees representing our 30,000+ membership community.

“The backbone of the National African American Gun Association are blue collar folks who believe in our organization,” says Philip Smith. “Do we have movie stars and professionals as members, NBA, and NFL players? Yes! But the average working person is our typical member; we are here for our community.”

The inaugural Convention is scheduled to take place over the span of three days:

• Commencing on Friday, August 20 will be the National Shooting Competition. It will include 40 – 50 Conference participants as they compete for national bragging rights during this meet and greet activity, set to take place at Stoddard’s Gun Range.
• Day two on Saturday, August 21, the convention officially kicks off with the Opening Ceremony, Black Tradition of Arms presentation, Keynote Speakers and Firearms Educational sessions. These activities will take place in the Georgia International Convention Center. Highlights will include remarks by Philip Smith; Nicholas Johnson, author and professor; Akinyele Umoj, educator, activist and author; Tiffany Johnson, attorney and firearm trainer; and Charles Cobb, Jr., organizer, agitator and writer. Plus, there will also be a plethora of entertainment and education sessions throughout the day.
• Day three on Sunday, August 22, the Conference will dedicate the day to focus on the Chapters nationwide. Key topics will range from managing the business and finance of the chapters, to membership recruitment tactics, policies and procedures, community engagement and more. Additionally, several sessions will be dedicated to the NAAGA Emergency Support Team (NEST) a growing connected self-sufficient community.

The National African American Gun Association is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit association and is headquartered in Griffin Georgia. Since the start of the organization in 2015, there are over 30,000+ members and 125 chapters nationwide. On average, 1,000 new members are joining nearly each month. It is - by far - the largest Black Gun association in America with over 60% of the members being African American women.

NAAGA prides itself on being a pro-active organization with a familial like culture. Education and Safety is at the core of the organization and all members are encouraged to continuously learn, practice and enhance their knowledge of the industry. In conjunction with regular training, members improve upon muscle-memory of how to properly carry and use a gun. The National African American Gun Association teaches the history of African Americans as it relates to firearms.

When you join the National African American Gun Association, “You are not the first Black person to grab a gun nor will you be the last... you belong to a long legacy of African Americans that came before you and made the ultimate sacrifice so that you can be here today.” Remark Philip Smith. We Are Family!

Registration for the Inaugural Convention is open now!

Registration link: https://na.eventscloud.com/website/19058/

Sponsorship link: https://naaga.co/sponsor/

For more information, visithttps://naaga.co/wearefamily

Former NBA player wins bid to buy bankrupt Ebony Magazine

An East Chicago native and state basketball champ who amassed a fortune in business after playing in the National Basketball Association is poised to buy Ebony magazine out of bankruptcy.

Judge David R. Jones of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court of the Southern District of Texas is weighing a proposed order to sell the 75-year-old monthly magazine to Junior Bridgeman's Bridgeman Sports and Media LLC, according to court records. Bridgeman Sports and Media placed the high bid of $14 million in a bankruptcy court-supervised auction, but creditors have objected to the proposed sale that would be free of all liens, claims and encumbrances.

Ebony, a magazine covering African-American culture that was long based in Chicago, was forced into bankruptcy in July by creditors it owed more than $11.8 million. But the case was later turned into a chapter 11 bankruptcy meant to reorganize the company and shed its debts so it could remain a going concern, according U.S. Bankruptcy Court of the Southern District of Texas filings.

The iconic magazine, which once had a print circulation of 1.7 million and reached an estimated 40% of African-American homes, had defaulted on its loans, according to court records. It was started by Johnson Publishing in downtown Chicago, which also published Jet magazine before liquidating last year. Ebony was most recently based in Los Angeles.

Bridgeman, who sought to buy Sports Illustrated two years ago before it was ultimately acquired by Authentic Brands Group, starred on the legendary 1971 state champion East Chicago Washington High School basketball team. He went on to play for the University of Louisville and in the NBA. He played 12 years for the Milwaukee Bucks, where he averaged double-digit points as a sixth man and got his No. 2 jersey retired by the team.

After retiring, Bridgeman — whose name is Ulysses Bridgeman — built a fast food empire that included more than 450 Wendy's, Chili's, Fazoli's, Perkin's, Golden Corral and Blaze Pizza restaurants. He now runs Heartland Coca-Cola, an independent Coca-Cola bottler with 18 regional distribution centers across the Midwest.

The Richest website estimates Bridgeman's net worth is at least $600 million.

[SOURCE: NWITIMES

San Francisco mayor London Breed: California Senate pick 'a real blow to the African-American community'

San Francisco Mayor London Breed said that Gov. Gavin Newsom’s pick to fill the U.S. Senate seat of Vice President-elect Kamala Harris is "a real blow to the African-American community."

Newsom on Tuesday tapped Calif. Secretary of State Alex Padilla, who would become the first Latino to hold a U.S. Senate seat from the state.

"Definitely, this is a real blow to the African-American community," Breed said of the choice during a news conference to offer Covid-19 updates.

"It's an unfortunate situation as we are trying to move this country forward and making sure that Black lives truly matter and that African-Americans have a seat at the table, especially African-American women, after what was done in this race on a national level, definitely is unfortunate."

[SOURCE: FOX]

Cydney Gillon Wins her 4th Consecutive Figure Olympia

Reigning Figure Olympia champion Cydney Gillon has again won the Figure Olympia title at the 2020 Olympia.

This victory gives her four consecutive victories at the Olympia in the Figure division.

Gillon posted this message on Instagram after her Olympia victory:

So excited to be the FIRST woman to win 4 consecutive Figure Olympia titles‼️

Every second, Every drop of sweat, Every training session came down to one moment when everything falls into place.

You are who you surround yourself with and I am blessed to have this truly amazing team behind me.

My coach, family, guidance counselor: @the_pro_ducer

My mama and second eye for my posing: @fittothe_t ❤️

Check out an interview with the champ after her victory:

Olympia 2020 Figure Results & Prize Money

1. Cydney Gillon, $50,000

2. Natalia Soltero, $20,000

4. Nicole Zenobia Graham, $7000

5. Latorya Watts, $6000

Biden selects Michael Regan to run the Environmental Protection Agency

President-elect Joe Biden will name Michael Regan, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, according to a source familiar with the decision who spoke about private conversations on the basis of anonymity.

If confirmed by the Senate, Regan would be the first African American man to run the EPA. He stands to inherit an agency that has been ground zero as the Trump administration rolled back climate and pollution regulations.

Bringing a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of the environment, economy, and public health, Secretary Regan conceptualized and operationalized North Carolina’s Executive Order 80 — a landmark effort to address climate change’s impact and transition the state’s energy economy. Regan led the negotiations that resulted in the cleanup of the Cape Fear River, which had been contaminated with dangerous per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS), negotiated and oversaw the largest coal ash cleanup in the United States, and created North Carolina’s first Environmental Justice and Equity Advisory Board to address societal disparities exacerbated by environmental issues during his tenure as Secretary.

Secretary Regan’s subject matter expertise in the realm of environmental, energy, economic, and equity issues is apparent in his lifelong record of public service. He previously served at the EPA under both Democratic and Republican presidents — leading initiatives at the agency to improve energy efficiency and air quality and mitigate pollution — and was an Associate Vice President of the Environmental Defense Fund focused on climate issues. He also founded M. Regan & Associates to help organizations navigate challenges at the intersection of energy, the economy, and the environment. Regan earned his bachelor’s degree from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and his master’s degree from The George Washington University.

Milwaukee Fire Dept. appoints first African American female deputy chief

The Milwaukee Fire Department (MFD) announced they have appointed its first African American female as Deputy Chief.

Deputy Chief Sharon Purifoy will lead the department’s Emergency Medical Services Division. She has been with the department for 17 years and has been a registered paramedic since 2012.

Deputy Chief Purifoy has served in the roles of fire cadet instructor, director of the Survive Alive House, and director of recruitment. She has also demonstrated her commitment to the department through her active participation in the MFD’s Strategic Planning Committee.

Of Purifoy's appointment the MFD wrote:

Her commitment to recruiting and mentoring young firefighters, supporting them as they progress through their own careers will be maximized as she demonstrates to other City of Milwaukee women of color that not only are they welcome on the MFD, but that they too can promote and lead the organization. Indeed, on November 8, 2018, Purifoy was on the very first all-female engine company – she is a true trailblazer! We are so proud of Deputy Chief Purifoy! Congratulations!

Rep, Ayanna Pressley calls reduced $600 stimulus checks 'an insult'

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (Massachusetts's 7th District) spoke on the House floor to demand robust direct cash payments to people as part of any COVID-19 relief bill. She called the proposed $600 payments insuffient and an insult to the people needing funds to make it through the Covid-19 pandemic.

Watch her statement below:

FALLEN PATERSON NJ POLICE OFFICER’S BADGE TO BE REASSIGNED TO SISTER

For the first time in Paterson PD history a fallen officer’s badge number will be reassigned.

In 2007, Paterson Police Officer Tyron D. Franklin was fatally shot while doing his duty as an officer and protecting other Patersonians. Thirteen years later, Bevennia Franklin, sister of Officer Tyron Franklin will be following in her brother’s footsteps and joining the Paterson police force.

On Friday, December 18, Mayor Andre Sayegh together with the Paterson Police Department will reassign Officer Tyron Franklin’s badge number to his sister Bevennia. This is the first time in Paterson’s history a badge reassignment ceremony will take place.

Bevennia is set to graduate from the police academy at the end of December.

Texas city elects its first African American mayor

Michael Evans won a runoff election for mayor of Mansfield, Texas making him the first African American mayor in the city's history.

Dr. Evans, who is a pastor at Bethlehem Baptist Church and a former Mansfield ISD School Board member, received 53.11% of the vote in the runoff.

He said he felt quite a bit of relief with the results after he had been campaigning for more than a year.

Evans added that he was excited for the future of the city of Mansfield, and looks forward to representing the wide array of people who live in the city.

“One of the good things about Mansfield is we get to celebrate our diversity,” he said. “I’m excited we get to do that here in this town.”

Evans said he will focus on attracting a diverse group of economic development, with different types of companies, retail businesses, and restaurants.

He added that he’ll work to keep Mansfield one of the safest cities in the country, by having a good quality of individuals in law enforcement and first responders.

U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams Encourages Black Americans to Take Vaccine

Public health officials and community leaders who are concerned about COVID-19 vaccine skepticism are speaking up and trying to build trust, especially among African Americans and other minorities.

U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams, MD, is working with faith leaders, community groups and fraternities and sororities to discuss the vaccine.

“Nothing has been in my heart more than this issue over the past several weeks to months,” he told CNN on Monday.

“I’ve been working with Pfizer, with Moderna, with AstraZeneca, with Johnson & Johnson to make sure we have appropriate numbers of minorities enrolled in these vaccine trials so that people can understand that they are safe,” he said.

Adams said he hopes that the independent review boards for the clinical trials, as well as the CDC and FDA advisory groups, will help people to feel confident about vaccine safety, efficacy and side effects.

He emphasized that regulations are in place to protect Americans from incidents such as the Tuskegee experiment, which purposely left 400 Black men in Alabama untreated for syphilis between 1932-1972 so researchers could study the “natural course” of the disease. Even after penicillin became the standard treatment for syphilis in 1947 that could stop long-term organ damage, the experiment continued, which has built distrust in the U.S. health care system. Ultimately, 128 study participants died from syphilis and related complications, according to the CDC.

Adams said he hopes public health experts can shift that perspective in relation to the COVID-19 vaccine.

“There are tens of thousands of Black and brown people dying every year because they are distrustful of the system, in many cases rightly so, but also because they’re not getting the facts to help restore their trust in the system,” he told CNN.

[SOURCE: WEBMD]

Negro Leagues now part of Major League Baseball, stats counted in MLB records

Major League Baseball has officially recognized the Negro Leagues as major league teams — 100 years after their creation. The seven leagues, which played from 1920 to 1948, will have their stats and records added to MLB history.

"All of us who love baseball have long known that the Negro Leagues produced many of our game's best players, innovations and triumphs against a backdrop of injustice," Commissioner Robert Manfred said in a statement Wednesday. "We are now grateful to count the players of the Negro Leagues where they belong: as Major Leaguers within the official historical record."

The new recognition also means that players who beat MLB records while they were in the Negro League could receive recognition for their accomplishments. The MLB is working with the Elias Sports Bureau to review how the new designation changes affect the record books.

The Negro League was comprised of seven leagues: the Negro National League, the Eastern Colored League, the American Negro League, the East-West League, the Negro Southern League, the Negro National League (II) and the Negro American League. The leagues were formed because Black players were banned from joining the National and American leagues.

[SOURCE: CBS NEWS]

NAACP TO HOST VIRTUAL TOWN HALL ON NAVIGATING THE COVID-19 VACCINE

On Wednesday, December 16 at 8 pm ET / 5 pm PT, the NAACP will host a virtual town hall series entitled UNMASKED: COVID Vaccines. Over the last year, the NAACP has presented virtual town halls that focus on how the coronavirus pandemic impacts African Americans. In the next episode of the series, congressional leaders, guest speakers, and health experts will join Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP, to provide the latest research information, slowing the spread, vaccine availability, and distribution.

“As we’re hearing more about the potential end of COVID-19’s devastating grip on the lives of Americans and people around the world, African Americans are voicing understandable concern and skepticism about the vaccines and treatments being developed,” said Dr. Marjorie Innocent, NAACP Senior Director of Health Programs. “The dynamic speakers in this installment of our COVID: Unmasked town hall series will provide clear information to help us understand vaccine development, approval, availability and distribution.”

It is no secret that the coronavirus pandemic has ravaged communities across the country, particularly the Black community and frontline workers. The lack of consistent leadership and coordination on a federal level from the current administration led to state and local governments taking on varied approaches to combat an unprecedented public health crisis. This town hall will include champions at the forefront of stabilizing the crisis and ensuring a healthy recovery.

Callers can participate via interactive toll-free conference call that will stream LIVE on the NAACP’s website naacp.org. To join via phone, dial (866) 757-0756 and to join the conversation on social media by following @NAACP. Click here to RSVP.

Moderated by correspondent and author, April Ryan, the town hall will include:

• Cory Booker, U.S. Senator, New Jersey
• Patrice A. Harris, MD, MA, American Medical Association, Immediate Past President
• Dr. Marcella Nunez-Smith, Co-Chair President-Elect Biden Advisory Board on Coronavirus
• Kizzmekia Corbett, Ph.D., Senior Researcher, National Institutes of Health
• Dr. Gigi El-Bayoumi, Professor, George Washington University
• Donald J. Alcendor, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Meharry Medical College
• Derrick Johnson, President & CEO, NAACP

 

Keisha Lance Bottoms declines role in Biden Administration

President-elect Joe Biden offered Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms a position in his Cabinet, but she did not accept it, according to a statement from Rashad Taylor, Bottoms’ senior adviser.

“Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms was honored to have been offered a role in the Cabinet, which she respectfully declined,” Taylor said in a statement to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Taylor declined to say what position was offered.

Several prominent Georgia Democrats have reported that Bottoms was in the running to lead the Small Business Administration, a Cabinet level post.

“The Mayor’s focus remains on the people of Atlanta and the great state of Georgia,” Taylor said. “Out of respect for the process, and the other candidates under consideration, no additional comment will be forthcoming on this matter at this time.”

Bottoms has a year left on her term and has said she plans to run for reelection.

[SOURCE: AJC]

Rashida Jones named next president of MSNBC

Rashida Jones will become president of MSNBC, and the current president, Phil Griffin, will step down after 25 years at the cable news channel, NBCUniversal News Group Chairman Cesar Conde announced Monday.

Jones, who will take over at MSNBC on Feb. 1, is a senior vice president at NBC News and MSNBC, where she leads breaking news and major events coverage. She also oversees MSNBC's daytime and weekend programming. She will become the most prominent Black woman in the cable news industry.

"Rashida knows and understands MSNBC, in part because it's where she started when she first joined NBCU seven years ago," Conde wrote in an email to NBC News employees. "She knows that it is the people who work here that make it great, and she understands its culture. She also appreciates the impact and potential of the brand."

Conde noted that in the past year Jones has helped guide MSNBC's coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic, the unrest and social justice protests that broke out over the treatment of Black Americans and the 2020 election. She also helped with two influential series at the network, "Justice for All" and "Climate in Crisis."

Jones takes over at an uncertain time for cable news. MSNBC's ratings grew during President Donald Trump's tenure and in the run-up to the presidential election. But it's unclear how the network will fare during a Joe Biden presidency, as cable viewership overall continues to decline.

[SOURCE: MSNBC]

36 year-old Brandon Scott sworn in as Mayor of Baltimore

Brandon Scott, a 36-year-old Democrat, was sworn-in as Baltimore’s new mayor Tuesday afternoon in a private ceremony inside City Hall.

Scott, who’s the city’s 52nd mayor, is starting his new job at a historically tough time. The city has recorded more than 300 homicides for the sixth year in a row, and its population, businesses and tax revenues have not been spared by the coronavirus pandemic.

Watch the story below:

" num_posts="20" width="450">

Minneapolis City Council approves budget that cuts police funding

The Minneapolis City Council unanimously approved a budget early Thursday that will shift about $8 million from the police department toward violence prevention and other programs - but will keep the mayor's targeted staffing levels for sworn officers intact.

Watch this story below:

Medgar Evers home established as national historic monument

U.S. Secretary of the Interior David L. Bernhardt has announced the establishment of the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument in Jackson, Mississippi as the 423rd unit of the National Park System. The monument was authorized by the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (P.L. 116-9), which was signed by President Trump on March 12, 2019.

Acquired by the National Park Service (NPS) by way of conveyance from Tougaloo College on June 18, 2020, the new monument commemorates the legacies of two civil rights activists who, from their modest, 3-bedroom ranch home, devoted their lives to ending racial injustice and improving the quality of life for African Americans.

“It is an honor to establish the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument,” said Secretary Bernhardt. “Medgar Evers was a true American hero who fought the Nazis at Normandy and fought racism with his wife Myrlie on the home front. It is our solemn responsibility as caretakers of America’s national treasures to tell the whole story of America’s heritage for the benefit of present and future generations. The life works of these great Americans helped shape our nation in making the United States a more perfect union, and for that, we should all be grateful.”

"We are so pleased that the National Park Service has made our family home in Jackson, MS, a National Monument. Our parents sought justice and equality for all Mississippians and knew such change locally would impact globally. Living a life of service, our parents didn't make sacrifices for accolades or awards. Our father fought for his country during World War II, and our mother equally served on the battlefields here in America. The battle continues to ensure that all Americans deserve life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” said Reena and James Van Evers, the two surviving children of Medgar and Myrlie Evers. “We are delighted that our house, always enclosed in love and respect, is nestled in a community that provides hope and opportunity. It's still serving as a reminder of our divided past and an educational tool to bring knowledge, excellence, and positive participation to all who visit to study icons in American history: our parents, Medgar and Myrlie Evers."

“It is a privilege to join Secretary Bernhardt in announcing the addition of the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument as the 423rd park to join the National Park System,” said Margaret Everson, Counselor to the Secretary, exercising the delegated authority of the National Park Service Director. “President Trump and Secretary Bernhardt have made enormous contributions to our efforts in the National Park Service to more fully tell the story of America's Civil Rights movement. The addition of this site is a fitting tribute to these two influential civil rights activists who devoted their lives to the cause of equality.”

“The Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home serves as a permanent reminder of the legacy of the Evers family, whose contributions advanced the cause of justice in our nation,” said U.S. Senator Roger Wicker. “I was proud to champion legislation with Representative Bennie Thompson and Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith to designate this historic site as a national monument and preserve it for future generations. I appreciate President Trump, the National Park Service, and the Department of the Interior for their work to make this designation a reality.”

“The national monument designation represents a great honor for the Evers family and their sacrifices and accomplishments for the cause of civil rights. This new national site will also stand in recognition of the overall pursuit of equality and justice in Mississippi and our nation,” said U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith. “I am proud to have worked with Senator Wicker and Congressman Thompson to secure this designation.”

“I, like many others, was inspired by the magnitude of determination Mr. Evers showed by dedicating himself to others and fighting against adversity,” said U.S. Representative Bennie Thompson. “The designation of his home is an everlasting tribute to his legacy. The importance of protecting the heritage and important artifacts for the enjoyment of all, and historical understanding, cannot be overstated. As many members of communities, their existence contributes to local economies directly and indirectly. I am honored that the legacy of an icon in American history, Medgar Wiley Evers will forever be preserved. Mr. Evers was an inspiration to all Americans by dedicating his life to others and fighting against racism and discrimination.”

“The Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home designation as a national monument and its management by the National Park Service is another significant and historic milestone in Tougaloo College’s history. We are honored to partner with the National Park Service to advance the legacy of Medgar and Myrlie Evers and preserve their home, both of which are significant to the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi. The monument will be important to the study and understanding of the civil rights struggle. We are excited about the college’s continued role in developing interpretative and educational programming for the monument to introduce students to Medgar Evers’ work and inspire them to learn more. This is indeed a great day in the history of Tougaloo College, the state of Mississippi and America,” said Tougaloo College President Carmen J. Walters.

The newly acquired property will be managed and operated by the National Park Service. While the home is not currently open to public tours, in the coming months the National Park Service will work with partners and the community to develop plans to accommodate visitors. The national monument consists of an approximately 0.15-acre parcel of land and the Evers’ home.