If you’re looking to add a little history, culture, and arts to your Summer, look no further than the Civil Rights Walking and Riding Tour in Jackson.
The tour encompasses some of the most important areas at the center of the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi. It also highlights some brave, determined individuals who played a prominent role in this crucial time in our nation’s history.
According to the “Visit Jackson” website, you can “discover the events, the icons, and the places that have played a vital role in shaping the history of our city, as well as its present and future. Walk in the footsteps of those who blazed the trail to equality and freedom and changed the face of Jackson and America forever.”
To begin the tour, visit the Civil Rights Tour page on the “Visit Jackson” website at https://www.visitjackson.com/group-tours/civil-rights-tour/ .
Download the Civil Rights Google Map that marks Freedom Trail Markers and Prominent Civil Rights Sites. The markers and the sites will educate you on why these places are crucial to the Civil Rights Movement.
As you follow the map, you’ll traverse the Capitol City, getting a rare peek into some of the most prominent places from the Civil Rights Movement and Freedom Summer. At the same time, you will learn about the individuals that fought for equal rights and even put their own lives on the line so that future generations could experience those rights.
There are several Freedom Trail markers in Jackson, including: The home of Medgar Evers, the Greyhound Bus Station, Mississippi State Capitol, Council of Federated Organizations Civil Rights Education Center, Tougaloo College, Jackson State University, and the site of the 1963 sit-in at Woolworth’s. According to the state of Mississippi’s tourism website, three more markers are scheduled to be placed in Jackson – at the NAACP state headquarters, Masonic Temple (M.W. Stringer Grand Lodge), and WLBT news offices.
Start at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum before you begin on tour to better understand and educate yourself or younger visitors on the history of the Civil Rights Movement, Freedom Summer, and many prominent events that sparked significant change across the nation.
Plan for two or three days to properly follow this tour and learn more about the strengths and sacrifices of many individuals that displayed heroic actions during this turbulent time.
The great thing about making Jackson your travel destination is that many historic sites and locations are free to the public; beyond that, they are incredibly inspiring!
Check out www.visitjackson.com for more information about the Civil Rights Tour and to learn more about what “The City with Soul” offers locals and visitors alike!
* Photo courtesy of the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum