Charles Evers, who led an eclectic life as a civil rights leader, onetime purveyor of illegal liquor in Chicago, history-making Black mayor in deeply segregated Mississippi and contrarian with connections to prominent national Democrats and Republicans, died Wednesday. After his brother's assassination in 1963, Evers took over his position as field director of the NAACP in Mississippi. After debuting her first album Kid Blue in 1976, Louise released many records throughout the years, including Sometimes a Circle in 2002, Bad Little Animals in 2008 and This Is the Place in 2018. In 1956, Evers moved to Chicago, Illinois, where he operated Club Mississippi, the Subway Lounge and the Palm Gardens nightclubs. [2], At the time of Evers's election as mayor, the town of Fayette had a population of 1,600 of which 75% was African-American and almost 25% white; the white officers on the Fayette city police "resigned rather than work under a black administration," according to the Associated Press. He received his education from Sewanee: The University of the South. Charles Evers (b. September 11, 1922) is the older brother of the civil rights martyr Medgar Evers, former Field Secretary of the Mississippi NAACP. He died behind bars in 2001. I lived in west Jackson. I know Dad would be proud of this moment," said Velma Charlene Evers-Kreel, daughter of James Charles Evers. [24] Evers' election as mayor had great symbolic significance statewide and attracted national attention. Mayor Flaggs has championed a transparent city government in Vicksburg committed to growth and service at the least cost to the taxpayer. Vivian: C.T. Evers lived in Brandon, Mississippi, and served as station manager of WMPR 90.1 FM in Jackson. Reena Evers is th. Claridon - Charles Robert Evers, 85, of Claridon, signed off one final time on May 24, 2020 at his home. Evers enlisted in the United States Army and served overseas during World War II. "[4], Evers began mulling the possibility of a campaign for the office of governor in 1969. [8] A staunch believer in racial integration, he distrusted what he viewed as the militancy and separatism of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, a black-dominated breakaway of the segregationist Mississippi Democratic Party. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cambi was the most special person I ever knew, said her husband, Ben, and I built my life around her.. Municipal elections are currently scheduled for next summer with Lumumba and Evers the only two candidates thus far. [4] In his later life, he became a Republican, endorsing Ronald Reagan in 1980, and more recently Donald Trump in 2016. [28], Evers appointed a black police force and several black staff members. We're dedicated to keeping Mississippians informed with our thorough reporting. Though its unclear when they tied the knot, Sherry and Robbie called it quits in 2011, according to reports. [26] To celebrate his victory, he hosted an inaugural ball in Natchez, which was widely attended by black Mississippians, reporters from around the country, and prominent national liberals including Ramsey Clark, Ted Sorenson, Whitney Young, Julian Bond, Shirley MacLaine, and Paul O'Dwyer. [33] During Evers' tenure, Fayette benefitted from several federal grants, and ITT Inc. built an assembly plant in the town, but the region's economy largely remained depressed. Wolf served as Acting Secretary of Homeland Security under President Trump. Evers did not like to share or delegate power. He was made the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) State Voter Registration Chairman in 1954. James Charles Evers (born September 11, 1922) is an American civil rights activist and former politician. This diversity in party affiliations throughout his life was reflected in his fostering of friendships with people from a variety of backgrounds, as well as his advising of politicians from across the political spectrum. Robert H. Terrell Law School. Donald T. Evers, 72, of Orange Park, FL passed away Saturday, April 14, 2007. This historic sign is the first of many avenues that we plan to pursue to educate our citizens and future generations about Dads sensational life story and his part in Mississippis history. In the interview, co-host David Watkins asked Evers what can be done to put a halt to Jackson's problems. Evers was active in the Mississippi branch of the NAACP and became the chapters state voter registration chairman in 1954. James Charles Evers (September 11, 1922 July 22, 2020) was an American civil rights activist, businessman, radio personality, and politician. Help keep the momentum going by rejoining our member community today. Digital Library. Father of eight daughters by four mothers, twice-divorced Evers has been a friend of Martin Luther King, Nelson . King at Bell Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Indianola, Miss., May 30, 2015. She is a trailblazer and continues to fight for African Americans in the state of Mississippi. When Elmer Charles Evers was born on 19 October 1892, in LaMoure, North Dakota, United States, his father, Christian Frederick Evers, was 33 and his mother, Lena May Sherman, was 21. Charles Evers was born in Decatur, Mississippi, on September 11, 1922, to James Evers, a laborer, and Jesse Wright Evers, a maid. See Her Beautiful Bikini Photos, Having Fun at the Beach! [32] Evers complained that local blacks were "jealous" of him. Evers did little to support them. The Mississippi Legislature responded by passing a law mandating a runoff primary in the event of no absolute majority in the initial contest, which Evers lost. In front of thenational historic landmark of thepale green home of Medgar and Myrlie Evers, located at 2332 Margaret WalkerAlexander Drive,a crowd of more than 70 peoplegathered. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. [54], Evers wrote two autobiographies or memoirs: Evers (1971), written with Grace Halsell and self-published; and Have No Fear, written with Andrew Szanton and published by John Wiley & Sons (1997). Civil Rights icon Charles Evers - brother of murdered Civil Rights activist, Medgar Evers - is hoping to set the record straight, requesting that radio Bible teacher, best-selling author, seminary president, and mega-church pastor John MacArthur stop "lying" about being with Charles Evers on the night that Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. [55][56], Evers was briefly married to Christine Evers until their marriage ended in annulment. [6] In 1949, he began working as a disc jockey at WHOC,[9] making him the first black disc jockey in the state. Son of Private and Private Husband of Private Father of Margaret Burbage; John EVERS; Patrick "Pat" Eivers; Charles "Charlie" EVERS; Una EIVERS and 3 others Brother of Bernard J. Evers; Private; Private; Bridget EVERS; Michael EVERS and 5 others Its one of the cards life deals you, which you are powerless over.. I lived in west Jackson. While the singers older children have embraced their careers in the limelight, Levi lives the most low-key out of all the family. Evers, a longtime figure in Mississippi politics, died Wednesday, July 22, 2020. "[14] A decade after his death, Evers and blues musician B.B. Evers made history by becoming Mississippi's first black mayor since Reconstruction in a small rural town in 1969. In 1969, Charles Evers was elected mayor of Fayette, Mississippi, the first black to hold elected office in the state since Reconstruction. Once you kill the neighbor, you're convicted and incarcerated and you can't vote. After his political career ended, he returned to radio and hosted his own show, Let's Talk. The memorial was also dedicated to Charles Evers, the first Black elected mayor of a Mississippi city and Medgar Evers' brother, who died in July 2020 at the age of 97. [31] He told the press, "They're cooperating because they haven't blown my head off. A couple of months ago, Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba announced that he would be seeking re-election come June of 2021, but now it seems as if it wont be without a little competition. He ran for governor in 1971 and the United States Senate in 1978, both times as an . She wanted to be Ashley, but it fit her., He said he feels broken, but I know Cambi would want us to keep moving forward., Cambis younger sister, Niki, talked about how her sister had immaculate style. They darted straight toward the sky before turning sharply, heading home. Keep this news free and accessible to all by becoming a member and giving a recurring donation of any amount today. The case resulted in a mistrial, but Evers' reputation permanently suffered. [49], In 1983, Evers ran as an independent for governor of Mississippi but lost to the Democrat Bill Allain. [10] Between 1952 and 1955, Evers often spoke at the RCNL's annual conferences in Mound Bayou, a town founded by freedmen, on such issues as voting rights. [49] After his failed Senate race, Evers briefly switched political parties and became a Republican. Wanda Evers, the daughter of late civil rights leader Charles Evers and niece of Medgar Evers, announced Wednesday morning on WMPR 90.1 that she is throwing her hat in the race for mayor of Mississippi s capital city. [1] Admired by some, he alienated others with his inflexible stands on various issues. [1] Charles fell in love with a Philippine woman while stationed overseas. Yolanda King, the daughter of civil rights activist Martin Luther King, portrayed Medgar Evers ' daughter Reena Evers in this film. [1] A white resident tipped off the mayor and the Klansman was arrested. Her second husband, Walter Williams, died of cancer. Charles Evers, brother of civil rights icon Medgar Evers, has died at the age of 97. . Ms. Perkins said that John MacArthur was a friend of Dr. Perkins and that was all they wanted to say, but added that Charles Evers was accurate in what he said about the situation. JACKSON, Miss. Graham added that through the Teacher Ranger Teacher program next year, the agencywill develop lesson plans based on Medgar and MyrlieEvers' lives. Forced to leave due to local white hostility in 1956, he moved to Chicago. CHARLES Evers was a civil rights leader and politician. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee has been nothing but supportive of Louise pursuing show business. He also became involved with the Regional Council of Negro Leadership in 1952, and often spoke at its national conferences. Cambis older brother, Danny, came up with his sisters name. Its parent company, C&W Companies, is a family-owned business. "It just lets us know that what they died for is not in vainand that people still remember and they still respect my dad and uncle Medgar," Evers Cockrell said, adding her father took up the torch when his brother was killed. JACKSON, Miss. He was 97. [8] After serving a year of reserve duty following the Korean War, he settled in Philadelphia, Mississippi. Louise gave Carole the title of mom when she was born on March 23, 1960. J. E. Hixson & Sons. Evers died Wednesday, July 22, at his daughter's home in Brandon. To make sure that I understood Charles Evers' position and that he did indeed . We center readers in everything we do, informingand engagingMississippians through reporting, podcasts, events and online communities. My contact info is in the About tab of the blog. I know Dad would be proud of this moment, said Velma Charlene Evers-Kreel, daughter of James Charles Evers. Myrlie Evers recalled Cambi as Mini-Me because of how much the Vassar College graduate resembled her in looks and personality. Growing up in Mississippi during the era of Jim Crow, Evers witnessed the effects of racial discrimination and prejudice firsthand. He also prohibited the carrying of firearms in town but kept a gun on himself. Graham said the agency is working to convert two plots of land at the entrance to the neighborhood intoMyrlie'sGarden, whichwill grow the same plants MyrlieEversgrew in her own garden. [1], In 1969, Evers was named "Man of the Year" by the NAACP. In 1965 he launched a series of black boycotts in southwestern Mississippi to protest segregation, which dramatically increased his public profile. Keena Graham, the new National Park Servicesuperintendentof the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument, announced during the memorial various initiatives the agency is working on while thehome is still closed to the public. [2] On June 3, 1969, Evers was elected in Fayette, Mississippi, as the first African-American mayor of a biracial town in Mississippi since the Reconstruction era, following passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 which enforced constitutional rights for citizens. The couple divorced in June 1974. A Republican, Evers was known for his role in the Civil Rights Movement along with his younger brother Medgar Evers. He served as the city's mayor until 1981 and again from . His campaign staff was largely young and inexperienced and lacked organization. [53] During the 2016 presidential election, Evers supported Donald Trump's presidential campaign. According to Mollys Instagram, shes an artist, writer and organizer. NPR's Ari Shapiro talks with Charles Evers, the brother of late civil rights activist Medgar Evers, about his endorsement of Donald Trump after Mississippi polls closed Tuesday night. He was the eldest of four children; . He ran for governor in 1971 and the United States Senate in 1978, both times as an independent candidate. "[19], With his voter registration drives having made Fayette's number of black registered voters double the size of the white electorate, Evers helped elect a black man to the local school board in 1966. Evers was known for his role in the civil rights movement along with his younger brother Medgar Evers. The Klansman defended his motives by saying, "I am a Mississippi white man". Charles Evers at his home in Hattiesburg, Miss., in 1998. Born in Decatur, Mississippi, Evers had a devoutly Christian mother and a fearless . Glender was born in Creole, LA, on October 13, 1938 to parents Joseph Levan Broussard and Ethel Broussard Savoy. They were the parents of at least 2 sons and 2 daughters. Kennedy. [29] He also benefitted from an influx of young, white liberal volunteers who wanted to assist a civil rights leader. He was an informal adviser to politicians as diverse as Lyndon B. Johnson, George C. Wallace, Ronald Reagan and Robert F. CHARLES EVERS OBITUARY. FILE - Charles Evers, brother of slain civil rights leader Medgar Evers, attends the funeral for blues legend B.B. In 2017, Evers was inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame for his contributions to the music industry. [6], During World War II, Charles and Medgar Evers both served in the United States Army. Evers lost the Democratic primary for mayor in 1981 to Kennie Middleton. [44] Though about 40 percent of the Mississippi electorate in 1971 was black, Evers only secured about 22 percent of the total vote;[38] Waller won with 601,222 votes to Evers' 172,762 and Brady's 6,653. BRANDON, Miss. His widow Myrlie Evers was also one of this film's consultants. They completed the beloved musicians family when their youngest son, Levi, arrived in 1974. The Washington Post. "Study history and understand it," Kreel said. Civil Rights History: Medgar Evers assassinated. He also has a credit as a performer on the soundtrack of the Care Bears Movie in 1985. So that is the voter suppression in the worst kind of way. Four years later, Evers defeated Middleton in the primaries and won back the office of mayor. In one of her last texts, Cambi wrote, My spirit yearns to fly, and so on Monday, the family released white doves. Remembering the life and legacy of The Honorable James Charles Evers. Evers approached the car shortly before its departure and told Waller, "I just wanted to congratulate you. [31] He decided to enter the 1971 gubernatorial election as an independent,[37] kicking off his campaign with a rally in Decatur. 22, 2020 at 1:32 PM PDT. Evers passed away on July 22, 2020. On her last Facebook post, the granddaughter of Medgar and Myrlie Evers put up a photo of a wall spray-painted with the words, "Life is beautiful . The daughter of a man who was instrumental in leading the civil rights movement in Mississippi is speaking in Grand Rapids Sunday, Feb. 16. (WLBT) - Wanda Evers announced Wednesday that she is running for Mayor of Jackson. 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