- Born
- Birth nameMyrlie Beasley
- Myrlie Evers-Williams was born on March 17, 1933 in Vicksburg, Mississippi, USA. She is a writer, known for American Playhouse (1980), Ghosts of Mississippi (1996) and Our World (1986). She was previously married to Walter Edward Williams and Medgar Evers.
- SpousesWalter Edward Williams(1976 - February 22, 1995) (his death)Medgar Evers(December 24, 1951 - June 12, 1963) (his death, 3 children)
- Children
- ParentsJames Van Dyke BeasleyMildred Washington Beasley
- RelativesCharlene Evers(Niece or Nephew)Patrica Evers(Niece or Nephew)Carolyn Evers(Niece or Nephew)Annie McCain Beasley(Grandparent)Keanon Evers(Grandchild)Alex Evers(Grandchild)Nolan Evers(Grandchild)Cambi Evers-Everette(Grandchild)Vernando Everette(Grandchild)Keith Everette(Grandchild)Daniel Everette(Grandchild)Nicole Everette(Grandchild)Myrlie Beasley Polk(Aunt or Uncle)
- Has three children: Darrell Evers, Reena Evers and James Van Evers. Has three nieces: Charlene Evers, Patricia Evers and Carolyn Evers.
- Bob Dylan dedicated his song "Only a Pawn in Their Game" to the memory of her murdered husband Medgar Evers. The song appeared on his album "The Times They Are A-Changin'" (1964).
- Chairperson of the NAACP from 1995 - 1998; she worked to restore the tarnished image of the organization. She also helped improve its financial status, raising enough money to eliminate its debt.
- On January 21, 2013, she delivered the invocation at the second inauguration of Barack Obama. She was the first woman and the first layperson to deliver the invocation at a presidential inauguration.
- Attended and graduated from Magnolia High School (Bowman High School) in Vicksburg, Mississippi (1950).
- [on the 1963 murder of her husband] When Medgar was felled by that shot and I rushed out and saw him lying there and people from the neighborhood began to gather, there were also some whose color happen to have been white. I don't think I have ever hated as much in my life as I did at that particular moment with anyone who had white skin. I screamed at the neighbors and when the police finally got there, I told them that they had killed Medgar. And I can recall wanting so much to have a machine gun or something in my hand and just stand there and mow them all down. I was just -- I can't explain the depth of my hatred at that point.
- [on her murdered husband] Medgar was a man who never wanted adoration, who never wanted to be in the limelight. He was a man who saw a job that needed to be done and he answered the call and the fight for freedom, dignity and justice not just for his people but for all people.
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