The Jackson Movement featured crippling boycotts of downtown merchants and the state fair. Jackson’s large Black community, so close to the state government and the national office of the Citizens’ Council, became a natural target. At the center of the Movement—leading, supporting, planning, recruiting, coordinating, documenting abuse, offering comfort and material support— was Medgar Evers. He quickly became the face of the Movement, and, increasingly, the target of death threats by those who opposed it.
Pictured: A black and white photograph of Roy Wilkins and Medgar Evers protesting in Jackson. An officer stands in front of Wilkins. A second officer stands to the right of Evers, who is wearing a sign that reads: “End Brutality in Jackson, NAACP.” Two more officers stand behind them, and onlookers can be seen in the background.
Credit: Bettman Collection/Getty Images
