I was born in Decatur, was raised there, but I never in my life was permitted to vote there. - Medgar Evers

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You discover that the education the Negro gets is designed to keep him subservient. The poor black man is exploited by whites and by educated Negroes, too. - Medgar Evers

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The Negro has been here in America since 1619, a total of 344 years. He is not going anywhere else; this country is his home. He wants to do his part to help make his city, state, and nation a better place for everyone, regardless of color and race. - Medgar Evers

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We left the guns hidden in the car and tried walking into the polling place again, and the mob blocked us again. We didn't pursue it. - Medgar Evers

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The six of us gathered at my house, and we walked to the polls. I'll never forget it. Not a Negro was on the streets, and when we got to the courthouse, the clerk said he wanted to talk with us. When we got into his office, some 15 or 20 armed white men surged in behind us - men I had grown up with, had played with. - Medgar Evers

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As paradoxical as life would have it, some of these same persons who were beaten are terrorized by the Nazis are assisting the die-hards of the Citizens' Councils in bringing about economic pressure on Negroes who pay their poll taxes and register in Humphry County. - Medgar Evers

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Let me appeal to the consciences of many silent, responsible citizens of the white community who know that a victory for democracy in Jackson will be a victory for democracy everywhere. - Medgar Evers

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I love my children and I love my wife with all my heart. And I would die, die gladly, if that would make a better life for them. - Medgar Evers

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First it was the whites, and then their Negro message bearers. And the word was always the same: 'Tell your sons to take their names off the books. Don't show up at the courthouse voting day.' - Medgar Evers

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The gifts of God should be enjoyed by all citizens in Mississippi. - Medgar Evers

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