Today, marks the first day of Black History Month. For years Black women and men have paved the way so that we could have equal opportunity. This month, Vixen is celebrating significant women in black history. From actresses and inventors to politicians and singers, these women have made a difference and will forever be remembered.
Myrlie Evers-Williams (1933- Present) is a civil rights activist and journalist whom many remember for recently delivering the invocation at President Obama’s second inauguration. Myrlie was married to the late Medgar Evers and together they organized voter registration drives and civil rights demonstrations. She and her husband worked towards equal rights for more than a decade, until Medgar was murdered by a white supremacist in front of their home. Byron De La Beckwith shot Medgar on June 12, 1963.
After her husbands murder, Myrlie was on a mission to keep the case alive until justice was served. Beckwith was convicted in 1994. During the trial, Myrlie kept herself busy with service to her community. She was chairwoman of the NAACP and published several books. These days the legendary activist travels and does public speaking at respected events.
Myrlie continues to serve the African American culture and will forever be recognized.