In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, admission to the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and Museum of Mississippi History will be free from Jan. 17-20 to give visitors a chance to learn more about King’s and other civil rights advocates’ involvement in the state.
Dr. King’s involvement in Mississippi included walking in Medgar Evers’ funeral procession in 1963, visiting Greenwood in support of the Mississippi Freedom Summer in 1964, and testifying in support of the Mississippi Democratic Party during the 1964 Democratic National Convention.
Sponsored by FedEx for the seventh year, the holiday weekend offers free admission from Saturday, Jan. 17, through Tuesday, Jan. 20. A handful of special events are scheduled during that time.
“At FedEx, we are guided by the belief that every individual deserves the opportunity to thrive in work and life,” said Rose Jackson Flenorl, FedEx’s manager of equality, opportunity, and diversity. “This conviction echoes Dr. King’s powerful vision and affirms our ongoing commitment to the Two Mississippi Museums.”
“The MLK Celebration provides an important opportunity to reflect on Mississippi’s place in our nation’s history,” Mississippi Department of Archives and History executive director Katie Blount added. “Support from FedEx helps ensure these stories remain accessible as we honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.”
On Monday, Jan. 19, the actual holiday, the annual MLK Night of Culture will take place. A theatrical production by Meridian High School students will happen at 6 p.m. inside the Craig H. Neilsen Auditorium. The 45-minute performance, called “A Carefully Calculated Murder,” is based on the true story of the June 1964 Neshoba County murders of civil rights workers James Chaney, Michael Schwerner, and Andrew Goodman. The evening’s emcee will be Amada Furdge, a local writer, poet, and community organizer.
On Tuesday, Jan. 20, observed as National Day of Racial Healing, panel discussions on faith and philanthropy will be held in honor of activists Rims and Judy Barber. The program begins inside the Craig H. Neilsen Auditorium with free lunch provided by the Foundation for the Mid South. A reception offering attendees an opportunity to share their stories and reflect on the Barbers’ legacy will follow from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Rims Barber, a Presbyterian minister from Iowa, came to Mississippi in 1964 as a Freedom Summer volunteer and went on to play a significant role in civil rights, community organizing, and public policy efforts. His work included service with the Delta Ministry, support of the Freedom City project in Greenville, assistance with redistricting lawsuits, and leadership with the Children’s Defense Fund. He and his wife, Judy, still live in Jackson and remain engaged in the community.
The Two Mississippi Museums are open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museums are located at 222 North Street in Jackson.