Turn Me Loose: The Unghosting of Medgar Evers

"Turn Me Loose: The Unghosting of Medgar Evers" is a poignant collection of poems that delve deeply into the emotional aftermath of the 1963 assassination of civil rights leader Medgar Evers. Through the diverse voices of his widow Myrlie, his brother Charles, and even his assassin Byron De La Beckwith, along with De La Beckwith's wives, the narrative weaves a complex tapestry of grief, love, and hatred. Medgar Evers himself remains a silent yet powerful presence, his final words, "Turn me loose," echoing throughout the poems as a haunting refrain. Published on May 1, 2013, this collection offers high school readers a unique literary approach to understanding racial justice, encouraging them to explore the profound impact of Evers's life and death on his family, his community, and the nation. This book prompts readers to reflect on how history is shaped by the stories we tell and the voices we choose to amplify.