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Daughter of Assassinated Civil Rights Leader Sees Painful Echoes of Political Violence in America

July 14, 2025

Reena Evers-Everette, daughter of assassinated civil rights leader Medgar Evers, sees parallels between her father's 1963 murder and today's political violence, which experts say is at its highest level since the 1960s-70s. At a recent conference celebrating what would have been Evers' 100th birthday, she was joined by daughters of other slain civil rights leaders, including Kerry Kennedy and Bettie Dahmer. The event featured voting rights activist Stacey Abrams, who criticized Trump administration efforts to potentially remove Evers' name from a Navy vessel and drew connections between historical political violence and current military actions against protesters.

Who is affected

  • Reena Evers-Everette and other children of assassinated civil rights leaders
  • Civil rights activists and leaders whose legacies may be removed from recognition
  • Protesters in Los Angeles facing military action
  • Minnesota state lawmaker Melissa Hortman (referenced in connection to political violence)
  • The broader American public experiencing increased political violence

What action is being taken

  • A four-day conference celebrating Medgar Evers' life and legacy is being held in Jackson
  • The Trump administration is undertaking efforts to remove names of activists from Navy vessels
  • U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is working to change names of ships and military bases that honored women, people of color, or LGBTQ+ community members
  • Military resources are being deployed against protesters in Los Angeles who were demonstrating against immigration enforcement actions

Why it matters

  • Political violence in America is reportedly at its highest level since the 1960s-70s
  • There appears to be a pattern of violence targeting political figures, from civil rights leaders in the 1960s to recent attacks
  • Efforts to remove recognition of civil rights leaders could diminish their historical importance
  • Understanding historical racism and violence is presented as crucial to preventing its recurrence
  • The use of military force against protesters raises concerns about sanctioned political violence

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint

Daughter of Assassinated Civil Rights Leader Sees Painful Echoes of Political Violence in America