Keith Lamont Mcmillian (program manager at the COFO), and other communities began planning for the milestone of 50 years last December. Mcmillian said, “When I put out the word, coincidentally all of the other places where the march took place had the same ideas.” “So it just fit well.” The first event, a panel discussion titled “Challenging Racial Hierarchy. Then and Now” took place at Hernando’s public library on June 6. It marked the anniversary of Meredith’s walk. The presentation was attended by more than 100 people, including Dr. Leslie Burl McLemore (Mississippi Civil Rights Veteran), Dr. Marco Robinson (Rust College History Professor) and other guests. Mcmillian stated that “we hope to expose Mississippians historians and legends both alive and gone.” Mcmillian said, “It’s one to read history. But it’s quite another to hear it from someone who was there.” Wednesday’s Grenada Freedom Movement will be acknowledged by Dr. Aram Goudsouizian (chair and professor of the University of Memphis’ history department). Later that night, at Jackson’s COFO, Mukasa dada (then known as Willie Ricks) will speak about “The Evolution of the March Against Fear” and “The Black Power Freedom Struggle.” Mcmillian says that these local legends are helping make Mississippi real, and the history that we are learning real. James Meredith will attend the Canton unveiling of Mississippi Freedom Trail Marker on June 23. He will also lead the “Walk for Good and Right”, which will begin at the Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center, Jackson and end at the Mississippi State Capitol on the 26th. For a complete schedule of events visit: http://www.jsums.edu/HamerInstitute/BlackPower2016 or contact The Hamer Institute at COFO: 601-979-1563