Wicker calls for civil rights leader to receive Presidential Medal of Freedom

U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) led a congressional call for President Obama to posthumously award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to civil rights leader Medgar Wiley Evers.

In a letter to Obama, Wicker and Mississippi’s congressional delegation wrote that Evers deserves the nation’s highest civilian recognition because, “His leadership, dedication and sacrifice continue to inspire many Americans and have enhanced freedom for all of humankind.”

Evers was a veteran of World War II and dedicated his life to defending civil rights as a leader of the National Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in Mississippi.

“As the first field secretary in Mississippi for the NAACP, Mr. Evers recruited volunteers, led demonstrations and organized voter-registration efforts in an effort to end racial discrimination in our society,” the lawmakers wrote.

Evers was assassinated in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1963, as a result of his work to promote social justice, racial equality and voting rights.

Evers was posthumously awarded the NAACP Spingarn Medal for outstanding achievement in 1963 and is featured in the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture for his role in the civil rights movement.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom recognizes civilians that have made a significant contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, culture or other significant public or private endeavors.