Medgar Evers

Medgar Evers Pride (cresentok.com/civil rights (Timeline of the Civil Rights Movement))

         "Violence is not the way!" Not only was this phrase one of Medgar Evers' famous quotes, but also the moral that he lived by. Evers believed that people should not have to live in a world polluted with violence and hatred. Evers utilized the most powerful weapon in his arsenal in an attempt to end prejudice -- his voice; he tirelessly argued for the rights of his mistreated people. Born in 1925 into a nation where people were cruelly discriminated for the color of their skin, Evers lived as a proud man with unrivaled determination. He always stood up for his own beliefs, and never allowed the "superior whites" to shove him aside as he walked along the sidewalk of life.  Speaking out against inequality as the secretary of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Evers became one of the most prominent figures of those oppressive times. Until Evers, no African American had dared to stand up to the "superior whites". Countless threats were hurled at Evers, but he never cowered in the face of danger, in fact he continued to fight for justice, ultimately sacrificing his own life in his attempt to abolish racial segregation. Evers portrayed leadership, determination, and courage to fight for what he believed was right and just.

Evers: (blogs.com/medgar-evers (1960s Handbook-Medgar Evers))

          Evers showed all of America, that he would give his all to end racial segregation. He displayed such a strong aura of leadership that he had no fear of death threats: "danger surrounded Evers because of his activities. Still he persisted in his efforts to end segregation (separating people based solely on their race) in public facilities, schools, and restaurants." (Tyle) This quote show Evers was meant to be a leader because even though countless enemies and obstacles came across his path, he was able to overcome them, persevering and fighting for what believed in. Evers fought continually, never backing down so that his future generations would not have to suffer in a world where blacks were considered inferior Evers was a beacon of hope to all the African Americans: "Still in his early thirties, he was one of the most vocal and recognizable NAACP members in his state. In his dealings with whites and blacks alike, Evers spoke constantly of the need to overcome hatred, to promote understanding and equality between the races" (Student Resource Center - Junior. Gale.). Evers was a very inspirational activist who brought awareness to the unjust actions of the "whites", while also inspiring the abused and mistreated people of The South to take action. Even at a young age, Evers fought for what was right, living his life proving that age was no obstacle. After countless years of fighting discrimination, Evers inspired many others to follow in his footsteps.

Evers-a bittersweet future (Wikipedia.com (Wikipedia/Medgar-Evers))

          Evers fearlessly confronted many obstacles in order to create a brighter future. His courageous efforts helped to build our world today, where all men and woman, despite their differences, stand equal in life. He fought valiantly without wavering even after constant death threats such as: "Medgar knew what he was doing, and he knew what the risks were. He just decided that he had to do what he had to do" (Student Resource Center - Junior. Gale.). Evers did not quiver in the presence of danger, but fought for equality amongst the races. Though the consequences were great, Evers continued to fight so that others could follow in his courageous strides. Medgar Evers was able to persevere and fight even when many threats and dangers confronted him. Though losing his family and friends, Evers remained strong for the sake of a greater cause: "in 1954 he witnessed an attempted lynching during a time of great personal sorrow. His father was dying in the hospital, and while visiting him Evers went to get a breath of air outside. As he later related in The Martyrs, "On that very night a Negro had fought with a white man in Union [Mississippi] and a white mob had shot the Negro in the leg. The police brought the Negro to the hospital but the mob was outside, armed with pistols and rifles, yelling for the Negro. I walked out into the middle of it. It seemed that this would never change" (Laura B. Tyle). Evers lost many people dear to him, but was able to persevere, displaying his courage. Although his heart must have been torn by the way he was losing people, he never gave up, regardless of the circumstances. Medgar Evers is a hero to today's society, coming from a family that was born into a world of racial segregation and being able to come out as a renowned hero, who courageously fought for the future of his people against the prejudice of society. Even though it seemed that even the world was against him, Evers had the willpower to never give up. 

knowitall.org (National County - Medgar Evers (1925-1963) )

         Evers showed the will to never give up in thick or thin. Even though he faced many trials and tribulations, he could continue to fight on. Evers had the strength to always get back up regardless of how hard he got knocked down: "He and his family endured numerous threats and other violent acts, making them well aware of the danger surrounding him because of his activism. Still he persisted in his efforts to integrate public facilities, schools, and restaurants." (Contemporary Black Biography) Evers was threatened with numerous death threats, but he never stopped fighting for his beliefs. Evers was willing to give up everything, even his own life, but the future of the men and woman mistreated from the racial segregation shown in the quote: "Evers quit the insurance business and went to work for the NAACP full-time as a chapter organizer. He applied to the University of Mississippi law school but was denied admission and did not press his case. Within two years he was named state field secretary of the NAACP" (Student Resource Center - Junior. Gale.). Evers gave up his job which gave good pay and he worked so hard to earn all for the furthering of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People). Medgar Evers never did anything for himself, but for a greater future for his family, friends and all the other colored people. Evers showed his determination to never give up through the life he lived, never trying to earn fame, but live a better life with all people being equal.

          Through Evers' roller coaster life, he portrays the message that "when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade;" (Dale Carnegie) saying "it may sound funny, but I love the South. I wouldn't choose to live anywhere else." (Evers) Even though he lived in a land ravished by racial segregation, he was content with the way his life came to its climax. Somehow, Medgar was able to meet the end of his life without spite for the nation he lived in, but with a joyous tone. I could only wish that others can be inspired and aspire to live a life of no regrets just as Evers had. By the way Evers lived his life with leadership, determination, and courage; he portrays a lifestyle that this civilization is in a dire need for. The things the citizens of this nation cry about these days whether it is grades, a job, etcetera, it is nowhere near the excruciating pains Evers had to deal with. Yet to prove his point to the land he loved so dearly, he persevered, leaving his mark. Evers cared not about the way that people treated him, but was enraged by the way they would hurt the sinless civilians: "My Daddy was dying slowly, in the basement of a hospital and at one point I just had to walk outside so I wouldn't burst." (DISCovering Biography). His selflessness is a beacon which radiates brilliantly, clearly signifying to follow your own goals; even to this day, years after his death. No matter what the threat, Evers never gave up on fighting for the equality of the people. He glistened with courage, perseverance, and leadership, until his life was ended by the crafted metal sliver of change piercing through him. I believe the bullet that pierced Evers that night was meant to foreshadow the change that was soon to follow. Evers was and always will be a hero that deserves the highest praise, showing that an everyday man can be an everyday hero.

Works Cited

"Medgar Evers." Contemporary Black Biography. Vol. 3. Detroit: Gale, 1992.

Gale Biography In Context. Web. 26 Mar. 2012.

"Evers, Medgar (1925-1963)." DISCovering Biography. Online ed. Detroit: Gale, 2003.

Student Resource Center - Junior. Gale. DEL NORTE HIGH SCHOOL. 26 Mar. 2012

Padgett, John B. "Medgar Evers." MWP: (1925-1963). Ole Miss. University, Aug. 1997. Web. 26 Mar. 2012.

"Evers, Medgar." UXL Encyclopedia of World Biography. Ed. Laura B. Tyle. Vol. 4. Detroit: UXL, 2003. 690-693.

Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 27 Mar. 2012."

Medgar Evers Biography." Bio.com. Ed. Bio. True Story. A&E Networks Television.

Web. 26 Mar. 2012