Continuing the work of a local civil rights icon was the theme for the fifth annual Attala County NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet held Saturday night.
The NAACP spent most of the night honoring James Meredith and 50th anniversary of the “March against Fear.”
On Sunday, June 5, 1966, civil rights activist James Meredith began a 220-mile march against fear from Memphis, Tenn. to Jackson. The intent behind the march was to challenge the culture of fear and to encourage more than 400,000 African Americans in Mississippi to register to vote. Meredith is also noted for being the first black student to be admitted into the University of Mississippi.
“Mr. Meredith has done so much for Attala County and his being here is such a great honor,” NAACP Executive Board member Mac Cotton said.
Meredith, who was the keynote speaker, was also honored with the chapter’s annual freedom award.
“This event is one of the most important in my life,” Meredith said. “James Meredith should not really be credited with anything, because it was what my parents and their neighbors and friends did before I was born.”
Last week the United States Senate passed a resolution in remembrance of the “March Against Fear.”
“It is no accident that one of the best known females in America is from Attala County, Mississippi, and I don’t think it’s an accident that in the next 60 days, because of what US Senate did that one of the biggest known names of black males is from Attala County, Mississippi,” Meredith said. “The reason I have been thinking this event has been one of the most important in my life is that Attala County is again capable of producing the best.”
Also honored at the event was Kosciusko High School graduate Josh Dodd, who received the Youth Freedom award.
“Josh is a distinguished young and man and an excellent athlete,” said Sherika Higgins, advisor to the Attala County Youth Council. “He has done an outstanding job with us. We are so happy to have him in the council; he has been a great example for our younger members.”
Approximately 150 people attended the annual banquet.
