The Natchez Historical Society will present a panel discussion for the monthly meeting on Tuesday titled “Civil Rights in Natchez from 1965.”

Jim Wiggins, retired history professor at Copiah-Lincoln Community College will be the moderator. Members of the panel will be Charles Evers and Tony Byrne, both of whom held positions of prominence during the civil rights era.

Charles Evers, a civil rights icon, is a World War II veteran and a graduate of Alcorn State University. He is the former Circuit Clerk of Jefferson County as well as the former mayor of Fayette.  Mr. Evers served as the Mississippi Field Representative for the NAACP and was the brother of slain civil rights legend Medgar Evers.  He is the owner of radio station WMPR in Jackson and the author of two books, Evers and Have No Fear.

Tony Byrne, a Natchez native, is a graduate of Natchez High School and Mississippi State University.  He was the manager of the Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce from 1961 until 1968, serving on the Board of Aldermen during that time.  He was elected mayor of Natchez in 1968 and served for twenty years.  As a tribute to his untiring devotion to Natchez, Mr. Byrne has been honored by being selected Citizen of the Year, Natchezian of the Year, and Athlete of the Century for the Miss-Lou area.

The meeting will be on Tuesday, February 28 at the Hotel Vue.  A social gathering will begin at 6:30 p.m. followed by the program at 7:00 p.m.  Call President Charlie Vess at 601-446-6461 for information.
Kathy King

Natchez Historical Society member