MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2013 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Horhn, Burton, Butler (38th), Jones, Jordan, Jackson (11th), Simmons (12th), Simmons (13th), Frazier, Turner, Butler (36th), Jackson (32nd), Norwood, Blount, Dawkins, Hopson
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AN "INTERNATIONAL DAY OF REMEMBRANCE" ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2013, COMMEMORATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ASSASSINATION OF MEDGAR EVERS AND PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF THIS AMERICAN HERO.
WHEREAS, on Wednesday, June 12, 2013, the citizens of Mississippi will commemorate the life and legacy of Medgar Evers, an American hero, on the 50th Anniversary of his assassination, a tragedy which energized the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi and across the nation; and
WHEREAS, the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Institute was formed by Myrlie Evers to continue his life's work and promote racial reconciliation through education and youth programs, and the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Institute is coordinating certain events to commemorate the life and legacy of Medgar Evers on the 50th Anniversary of his assassination; and
WHEREAS, as part of the commemorative events, the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Institute, William Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation at the University of Mississippi, Mississippi Religious Leadership Conference, and other groups in Mississippi and beyond are designating June 12, 2013, as an "International Day of Remembrance" to honor the life and legacy of Medgar Evers, and to remember our history with honesty and compassion and with a commitment to seeking understanding, equity and reconciliation across all lines of difference that separate us as members of the human race; and
WHEREAS, as part of the International Day of Remembrance, the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Institute, William Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation at the University of Mississippi, Mississippi Religious Leadership Conference, and other groups are planning a special time of remembrance and reflection from 12:00 noon to 12:30 p.m. on June 12, 2013, and are asking houses of worship, educational institutions and public facilities to join in a solemn tolling and ringing of bells for 30 seconds at 12:00 noon to recall Medgar Evers' work and sacrifice and then to unite in a joyous pealing of their bells for 30 seconds at 12:30 p.m. to celebrate Medgar Evers' legacy and promote reconciliation; and
WHEREAS, as part of the International Day of Remembrance, Medgar and Myrlie Evers Institute will coordinate a commemorative Celebration on the Green in the Art Garden of the Mississippi Museum of Art in Jackson from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on June 12, 2013, including tolling of bells, readings, music and prayers from different faith traditions from 12:00 noon to 12:30 p.m.; and
WHEREAS, it is most appropriate that we note the historical context and significance of these events and pay tribute to Medgar Evers, a native Mississippian and Civil Rights hero who awakened the consciousness of America to its responsibilities:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize the International Day of Remembrance on Wednesday, June 12, 2013, commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the assassination of Medgar Evers and paying tribute to the life and legacy of this American hero, and invite the citizens of Mississippi wherever they are on that day and at that time to pause, remember and create a quiet space to consider his sacrifice and the importance of reconciliation.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That in future years, June 12 or such other date as may be designated by the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Institute, shall continue to be recognized as an International Day of Remembrance to honor Medgar Evers' life and his legacy of mutual respect and reconciliation.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be transmitted to the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Institute, William Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation at the University of Mississippi, and Mississippi Religious Leadership Conference for proper distribution, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.