From Saturday, December 2, through Monday, December 4, the Jackson Interfaith Civil Rights Committee is hosting a series of free events entitled The Kneel-Ins: The Voices and the Vision Forward to commemorate the church visit campaign of 1963 and 1964. These programs are supported by the Mississippi Humanities Council.
The Jackson Kneel-In movement was an attempt by an interracial group of students, parishioners, and civil rights activists to integrate Protestant and Catholic churches in downtown Jackson. Organizers used direct-action protest to urge the church-goers and ministers at segregated churches to open their sanctuaries to African-American worshipers.
At noon Monday, December 4, Charlene Thompson will give an introduction to the Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center followed by a free, self-guided tour of the museum, which chronicles the history of African-Americans in Mississippi and features exhibitions on Medgar Evers and on the Woolworth’s Sit-in. Afterward, at 6:00 p.m. Monday, an ecumenical service will be held at Galloway United Methodist Church featuring the Piney Woods School Choir, poets, and other speakers. All Galloway parking lots will be available and nursery will be provided for children ages 5 and under. For nursery contact Rev. Elizabeth Henry ehenry@gallowayumc.org or 601-353-9691.
