A picture is certainly worth a thousand words. What better way to celebrate Black History Month than by taking a moment to acknowledge the snapshots of time that represent the struggle and triumph of African-Americans through the years?
As part of our Black History Month coverage, we will be featuring one photo a day that honors years of groundbreaking achievements within the black community. These photos bring tears to our eyes, instill pride in our hearts and motivate us to carry on the legacy of strength and perseverance.
Today's photo was taken on June 15, 1963, showing Medgar Evers' widow, Myrlie Evers, comforts their son Darryl Kenyatta Evers during the civil rights leader's funeral.
About 5,000 mourners joined the procession for the voting rights advocate who was shot in front of his own home. Both black and white leaders came to honor Evers, whose death was a major blow to the civil rights struggle within the state.
In 1963, at the time of his death, about 28,000 African Americans were registered to vote. Evers was praised for his efforts to peacefully advocate voting rights and his commanding presence.
Despite the tense racial atmosphere in the South, Evers expressed a love for Mississippi that could come as a shock to some.
“It may sound funny, but I love the South," he wrote in Why I Live In Mississippi.
"I don’t choose to live anywhere else. There’s land here, where a man can raise cattle, and I’m going to do it some day. There are lakes where a man can sink a hook and fight the bass. There is room here for my children to play and grow, and become good citizens—if the white man will let them....”
Take a look at the photo and share your thoughts in the comments section below.
