F ALL 2011
On Friday, the participants had a chance to travel to the Medgar Evers International Airport—for many of the students, this was the first time. The airport was named after Evers in 2004 and officials have since worked on the Medgar Evers Pavilion, which includes photographs of Evers and other black leaders and walls inscribed with his words. Dirk B. Vanderleest, Chief Executive Officer of the Jackson Airport Authority, toured the outside premises of the Airport with the participants, explaining its rich history. Vanderleest then ate lunch with the participants and answered questions ranging from the salary of a commercial pilot to the number of crashes that have occurred. Overall, the participants enjoyed the experience of being in an airport and learning its daily operations. On Saturday, this same group of students along with parents, friends, faculty and staff participated in a “field-trip” to Canton, Mississippi. Through the experience of our guide, Mr. C.O. Chinn, the husband of Judge Mamie Chinn, the tour came to life. We explored the history of the Black Business district and discussed the importance of the Meredith March. This “March Against Fear” began on June 6, 1966. When they reached Canton, Mississippi, the march was attacked and tear-gassed by the Mississippi State Police, who were joined by other police agencies. Several marchers were wounded, one severely. Human Rights Medical Committee members conducted a house-to-house search that night looking for wounded marchers. The nuns of the Catholic school extended their help and hospitality to the
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marchers, especially to the wounded. The participants departed this weeklong interactive workshop with not just historical knowledge of the Jackson movement, but with the opportunity of meeting, communicating, and witnessing history for themselves. That is something that provokes pride not only in themselves but in their communities. The purpose of the workshop was to inspire young people to greatness, informing them of their capabilities, admonishing them with the concept best articulated by Carter G. Woodson “ no man knows what he can do, until he tries”.