[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 143 (Tuesday, August 11, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E746]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF JAMES CHARLES EVERS

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                            HON. TRENT KELLY

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 11, 2020

  Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate 
the life of James Charles Evers, who passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 
in Brandon, Mississippi, at age 97.
  Charles Evers was born in Decatur, Mississippi, on September 11, 
1922. He served in the Army in World War II and later Korea, however, 
his biggest fight was the fight against racism. Following in his 
brother's footsteps, civil rights activist Medgar Evers, Charles was a 
leader in the civil rights movement. His early exposure to racial 
violence fueled his passion for driving out racism in a Jim Crow 
Mississippi. He wrote an autobiography, ran a hotel, restaurant, cab 
stand, and funeral parlor, and would also become one of the first black 
radio disc jockeys of the state.
  In the 1960s, Charles became the mayor of a mixed-raced town for 16 
years, and he played a crucial role in black voter registration in 
Mississippi as well as the desegregation of a hospital.
  His accomplishments and dedication to the black community would make 
Charles an inspiration to other aspiring black political leaders. When 
Charles decided to run for mayor in Fayette, more than 175 black men 
ran for office across the state. Charles's determination and refusal to 
quit would not go unnoticed, as he continued to fight for positions in 
higher offices and continued to inspire everyone he encountered.
  Charles' legacy was and always will be an inspiration to all of us. 
He was the epitome of a leader, and his impact on the civil rights 
movement made history. His life demonstrated one of service, grace, and 
love for his family and community.
  Left to cherish his memory are his ten children, three sisters, two 
brothers, as well as many other friends and extended family members.

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