1963 – Medgar Evers Delivers Last Public Speech

On June 3, 1963, civil rights activist Medgar Evers gave his final public speech at a mass meeting at New Jerusalem Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi. As the NAACP’s first field secretary in the state, Evers had been a tireless advocate against segregation, voter suppression, and racial violence. Just ten days later, he would be assassinated in his own driveway. His June 3 speech called out systemic racism in Mississippi, demanding federal action to protect Black citizens\’ civil rights. Despite threats on his life, Evers remained undeterred, declaring, “Freedom has never been free.” His work helped pave the way for the Civil Rights Act of 1964. His death shocked the nation and galvanized civil rights efforts across the country. Today, Evers is remembered as one of the movement’s bravest leaders, and June 3 stands as a haunting milestone in the timeline of his courageous fight for justice.