JACKSON, Mississippi — On June 12, 1963, civil rights activist Medgar Evers was fatally shot outside his home in Jackson by white supremacist Byron De La Beckwith, in a tragedy that shook the nation. Evers, 37, served as a committed NAACP field secretary, working tirelessly to advance racial equality in Mississippi when he was shot in the back and died shortly thereafter.
Evers’ assassination highlighted the intense dangers faced by civil rights leaders during the era and galvanized national attention on the struggle for civil rights. The pursuit of justice was long delayed, with De La Beckwith not convicted until 1994 — more than three decades after the murder — underscoring the challenges of holding perpetrators of racially motivated crimes accountable.
Today, Medgar Evers is remembered not only for his leadership and courage but also for his enduring impact on the fight for social justice and civil rights in America. His legacy continues to inspire generations advocating for equality and systemic change.