On Thursday a new marker was unveiled commemorating the 1875 Clinton Massacre in Mississippi. In 1875 forces in Mississippi hoping for the restoration of white control unleashed a campaign of terror designed to limit Black participation at the ballot boxes. It succeeded and “The Mississippi Plan” was adopted in other states by white “Redeemers.”
According to local news sources:
The marker unveiling ceremony included remarks from District 27 State Senator Hillman Frazier and City of Clinton Mayor Phil Fisher.
“Clinton has made great efforts to capture our history and assure future generations will understand and study our past,” said Mayor Fisher. “This marker is an important part of the Clinton story. We must always remember the past so that we can honor those that came before and learn from their experiences.”
Speakers at the unveiling also included Mississippi Freedom Trail Task Force Chairman Dr. Leslie Burl McLemore and long-time Clinton resident and former city alderwoman Mabel Bankston, who also is involved in the city’s historical committee.
“With this 32nd unveiling of a marker on the Mississippi Freedom Trail, we again make history,” said Dr. McLemore. “This unveiling shines a light on an event that speaks to us today about the right to vote. The Clinton Massacre of 1875 is a clear reminder that freedom is a constant struggle. Let us benefit from our history in order to ensure that a bright future is in store for all of our citizens.”
“This marker explores a painful moment in Mississippi history,” said Visit Mississippi Director Craig Ray. “Violent episodes during the Reconstruction era, such as the Clinton Riots, set the stage for the modern Civil Rights Movement. This marker helps us fully understand our state’s past.”
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Great article, and an important one.