« View All of Today's Events

Medgar Evers/Ella Baker Civil Rights Lecture Series

Date and Time: Thu, Feb 23, 6:30 pm

The fourth lecture of the 2011-2012 Medgar Evers/ Ella Baker Civil Rights Lecture Series—“The Robert L.T. Smith & Merrill Winston Lindsey Campaign of 1962: The Impact of Black in Politics – Then and Now!” will be held Thursday, February 23,  2012 at 6:30 p.m. at the Masonic Temple located at 1072 John R. Lynch Street, Jackson, Mississippi 39203.

In 1962, both Rev. Robert L. T. Smith and Rev. Merrill W. Lindsey made a significant mark on the history of Mississippi politics when they became the first blacks to run for a Congressional seat since Reconstruction. Smith became a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People during its first meeting in Hinds County in 1925. He was also a co-founder of State Mutual Federal Savings and Loan Association, a coalition that helped enabled blacks to secure fair loans. Rev. Merrill W. Lindsey was a native of Holly Springs, Ms. and pastor of Ausbury Methodist Church. Lindsey ran for the combined second and third districts against two white opponents. Although their bids for the House of Representatives were unsuccessful, their campaigns helped to pave the way for Black Mississippians involvement in the political process.

The panelists— Dr. Rico Chapman, Department of History and Philosophy, Jackson State University, Dr. Leniece Davis, Professor of Political Science, Jackson State University, Attorney Dave Dennis, President and CEO of Positive Innovations, Inc., and, Dr. K.C. Morrison, Professor and Head of Political Science & Public Policy Administration, Mississippi State University will explore this topic on Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. at the Masonic Temple located at 1072 John R. Lynch Street, Jackson, Mississippi 39203.

filed under: Community, Lectures.