Cleveland, Miss. — The Delta Center for Culture and Learning at Delta State University recently hosted a significant event, bringing together young minds from across the nation to engage in a lunch and learn experience. The Gen Z Summit, organized by the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Institute, gathered over 60 college students to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the assassination of civil rights activist Medgar Evers.
A central highlight of the summit was the screening of the award-winning documentary titled “Voices from the Sit In.” The film, which chronicles the 1969 Black student protest at Delta State, showcased the bravery and determination of those who fought for equality during a pivotal moment in history.
Mrs. Maggie Crawford, an esteemed alumna of Delta State University and a participant in the 1969 sit-in, was a distinguished guest at the summit. Mrs. Crawford shared her personal story and experiences of the sit-in, providing a firsthand account that deeply resonated with the attendees. The conversation between Mrs. Crawford and Dr. Rolando Herts, the Director of the Delta Center for Culture & Learning and the Executive Director of the Mississippi National Heritage Area, offered invaluable insights into the significance of the sit-in and its lasting impact on the civil rights movement.
Participants at the summit represented a diverse array of colleges and organizations. Among the attendees were students from Medgar Evers College, the University of Alabama pre-law program, Mississippi NAACP Youth Council, the University of Mississippi, Jackson State University, Tougaloo College, Alcorn State University, Cornell University, and Morehouse College, among others.
