Day Eight and Nine: Hattiesburg and Jackson

In Hattiesburg, Mississippi, we had the honor of meeting with the Dahmer Family. Vernon Dahmer was a successful businessman in Hattiesburg in the 1950s and 1960s. He worked tirelessly to help African Americans register to vote, and his famous line: "If you don't vote, you don't count" inspired people in his community to continue working for the removal of poll taxes, literacy tests, and other registration obstacles. On the night of January 10th, 1966, Dahmer's home was the target of a firebomb attack. As Dahmer's wife and children escaped, Vernon fired his gun at the attackers and was severely burned about the head, face, and upper body before he could escape. Vernon died the next day from the effects of burns in his respiratory tract. We spent time at the Dahmer family compound and then drove to Vernon's gravesite. The students were given voter registration forms, and we discussed the vital importance of exercising our right to vote, especially considering the tremendous sacrifice made by so many for the privilege.

After leaving the Dahmer family, we went to Jackson and got to meet with investigative journalist, Jerry Mitchell. Mitchell, responsible for uncovering/reopening several “cold” Civil Rights murder cases, delighted and inspired us with his stories about meeting with Klan members and exposing their plots in his Jackson’s Clarion-Ledger Newspaper. His talk made us all want to be investigative reporters!!

While in Mississippi, we also visited Medgar Evers' home. Evers was a field secretary for the NAACP and was murdered in his driveway after coming home from a meeting with NAACP lawyers. He staggered 30 feet before collapsing in front of his wife and small children. Like Vernon Dahmer, Evers was killed by Ku Klux Klan members. The killers of both men were not brought to justice until many, many years after the crimes were committed. We are outraged that the bravery of both men is not explored in most U.S. History classes, despite their tremendous sacrifice for freedom and equality.

Meredith and me in front of the Clarion-Ledger Building

Celebrity Reporter, Evander, on the scene at Medgar Evers' home

With some of my wonderful and inspiring colleagues, Lauren, Dianne, Patrese, and Sandy! 

While at Medgar Evers’ home, we received another AMAZING surprise. Denise Everidge, one of our adult leaders on our trip, revealed her true identity to us: SHE IS MEDGAR EVERS’ DAUGHTER!!! She had gone by her middle name (Denise) and her married name (Everidge) all week to conceal who she is---RENA DENISE EVERS EVERIDGE! She spoke to our group about her recollections of her father and her hope for each of us. Later in the afternoon, several of us were interviewed by the local television station about our exciting day.