Legendary Civil Rights Leader Medgar Wiley Evers Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom

President Joe Biden has announced that Medgar Wiley Evers will posthumously receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.

“My heart is full from the news of this extraordinary honor. My beloved husband, Medgar, was the love of my life, my steadfast partner, and a devoted, loving father.  To the world, he was a civil rights leader; to me and our three children, he was the world. Medgar balanced his monumental public role with a dedication to his family like no other,” said Myrlie Evers.  “On that fatal night, June 12, 1963, Medgar was gunned down in our driveway. His body was no longer with us, but the unleashing of his fighting spirit sprung forth. Medgar's belief that America should and could be better than separate and unequal took hold, swept the country, and inspired generations. His heroic work laid the foundation for a more just and equitable society. This medal is a tribute to his courageous leadership and his ultimate sacrifice. Medgar was a committed activist, educator, organizer, husband, father, brother, son, and friend. With this esteem recognition, the world will remember his legacy forever."

Following his military service in World War II, Medgar Evers, as a prominent civil rights activist and field secretary for the NAACP, fearlessly challenged the status quo, tirelessly working to dismantle the deep-rooted systems of segregation and discrimination in the United States. His activism and unyielding pursuit of justice were instrumental in organizing voter registration drives, advocating for equal education opportunities, and leading peaceful protests that exposed the injustices faced by African Americans. This work also landed him #1 on the White Citizens Council's kill list.

“Receiving this medal honors not only my father’s legacy but also his belief in the potential for America to grow stronger and more just. My father taught us that courage was about standing up despite fear; his entire life exemplified this philosophy,” said Reena Evers-Everette, daughter of Medgar & Myrlie Evers. “My brother James Van Dyke Evers and I know, if my father  were here with us today, he would take this moment to tell every one of us that we must not stop. We must vigorously continue the fight to be the America my father believed we deserved. Rededicate ourselves to empower and educate the current and future generations to organize for justice, peace, and equality." 

Myrlie Evers' resilience and determination in the face of tremendous tragedy following her husband's assassination testify to her strength and unwavering commitment to furthering his fight for human rights. Myrlie Evers’ focus on righting her husband's death and her activist spirit never faltered. Finally, after 30 years and three trials, in 1994, Medgar Evers's killer was brought to justice, convicted, and sentenced to life in prison.