"Medgar, I've gone the last mile of the way." That was all I could utter that victorious day in February 1994, when the verdict was handed down to convict Byron De La Beckwith of murdering my husband, Medgar Evers. I remember looking across the courtroom and seeing the firm sense of conviction on the faces of the jury as the verdict was being read. "Guilty!" Then I remember this surge of emotion as all of the demons of the past were escaping through every pore of my body. It had been so long, such an uphill battle. My children and I were finally free.
Much has been written about the two trials that preceded this one. About how all-white juries neglected to find sufficient evidence to convict--even though the evidence pointed straight to Beckwith. Finally, after 30 years, justice was served!
Medgar dedicated his life to fighting for justice and equality. Because he wanted no publicity or glory for himself and because there was little to no media coverage of the very early 50's Civil Rights efforts in Mississippi, Medgar became "the forgotten leader."
Perhaps, today, we take all of these changes for granted. They seem so insignificant. But Medgar had a mission, his mission was accomplished.
For thirty years, I had a very personal mission, researching, inquiring, praying that something, any hint of evidence would be found to reaffirm the case. It happened and a grand jury ordered a third trial. Often I was disappointed, but never discouraged. There never came a time when I considered giving up. I was prepared to keep my promise to Medgar to go with him the last mile of the way.
Since Medgar's death, I have been invited to speak all over the world. I share my story, my hopes, the plans and vision for the future. But, I am saddened by the determined efforts of some to eliminate the gains we have made, to turn the clock back to the past and in seeing too many young African Americans unknowledgeable about our history, therefore unable to fully grasp the importance of the opportunities of today. Yet, there is a well spring of young leaders who are emerging holding the torch high as we move into the 21st century.
My family and I are forever thankful and indebted to Rob Reiner, who with his compassion, courage and commitment made this wonderful film possible. It is my life long passion that one day the complete story of Medgar's life and work will be brought to the screen. Hopefully, those who see this film will be encouraged to continue with his struggle and be inspired by what a great man Medgar Evers really was.
