SAT. May 25, 2019. 2 to 6 p.m. Meredith Coleman McGee will sign copies of her book “James Meredith: Warrior and the America that created him” at Barnes and Noble. North Colony Mall. 1000 Highland Colony Pkwy Ste 3009, Ridgeland, MS 39157

https://979cprrocks.com/youve-got-to-stand-for-something/

Everyone has a story, but oftentimes we don’t know the story until it’s too late.  That is how I felt when I heard of the passing of 86-year-old Unita Blackwell.  I’ve lived in Mississippi for over 20 years and have never heard her name.

Sadly, a person’s story can go unnoticed, or even forgotten over time. But after what I have learned today, Unita’s contribution to our state should, and must, live on.

Unita Blackwell was the first black female mayor in Mississippi, serving from 1976 to 2001, and an icon in the civil rights movement. She helped to organize voter drives for African Americans across the state and was arrested over 70 times for her efforts.  She also advised six U.S. Presidents.

Blackwell v. Issaquena Board of Education

“Change depends on people knowing the truth. Change depends on people speaking that truth out loud. That’s what movements do. Movements educate people to the truth… Movements are the way ordinary people get more freedom and justice.”

— Unita Blackwell, Barefootin’: Life Lessons from the Road to Freedom (2006)

https://www.civilrightsteaching.org/desegregation/blackwell-issaquena

HAPPY READING!