News Mississippi
Evers home to become a national monument
By Steven Gagliano
The Medgar & Myrlie Evers home in Jackson is on its way to becoming a national monument.
Congress recently sent the ‘Natural Resources Management Act’ to President Trump’s desk, and included in the bill, is a proposal to designate the home as a national monument within the National Park System.
Senators Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith authored the proposal in the Senate, while Congressman Bennie Thompson authored it in the House.
“The importance of preserving historical understanding through protecting artifacts and their heritage for the enjoyment of all cannot be overstated. I am honored that the legacy of an icon in American history, Medgar Wiley Evers, will forever be preserved. Serving as an inspiration to many Americas, including myself, Mr. Evers dedicated his life to others and fought against racism and discrimination. As he said, ‘Freedom has never been free.’” – Rep. Thompson
“The Medgar and Myrlie Evers home is of great historic significance to the civil rights movement as well as our American history and deserves to be recognized as a national monument. That is why I have continued to work with the members of our Mississippi congressional delegation to bring additional resources to the site. These efforts will help ensure future generations can learn about the life and legacy of the Evers family.” – Senator Wicker
“The Medgar and Myrlie Evers home has been integral in telling the story of this family’s pursuit of equality and justice during the civil rights movement. I look forward to the House of Representatives embracing this effort to honor the Evers and their work as part of Black History Month,” – Senator Hyde-Smith.
The bill was also the largest public lands bill approved by Congress in more than a decade, and it allows states to extend duck hunting season until January 31st.