The Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi (Chancellor Porter L. Fortune Symposium in Southern History Series)

Explore the depths of resistance and resilience in "The Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi," a compelling collection of twelve essays that delve into the state's tumultuous fight for racial justice, education equity, and voting rights. Published on October 24, 2013, as part of the Chancellor Porter L. Fortune Symposium in Southern History Series, this book invites readers into a detailed examination of Mississippi's most resistant corners during the civil rights era, influenced significantly by the legacy of Medgar Evers. Scholars like Wesley Hogan, Françoise N. Hamlin, and Michael Vinson Williams challenge previous narratives by raising pivotal questions about the nature of civil rights organizing. From the violent contrasts between the Ku Klux Klan and the Deacons for Defense to the transformative power of education and religion in fueling activism, each essay offers a unique perspective on the interwoven lives of those who fought for change. Byron D'Andra Orey's analysis of the political aftermath, Chris Myers Asch's insights into a contemporary Freedom School, and Emilye Crosby's exploration of selective historical memory further enrich this multifaceted discussion. Ideal for adult education settings, this book not only recounts history but urges readers to reflect on the ongoing implications of past civil rights struggles in today's social and political landscape.