Toyota pledges $75,000 toward Medgar Wiley Evers statue on Alcorn State Univeristy campus Bronze statue will serve as a testament to furthering equal rights education, citizenship, the arts, and Mississippi tourism
Toyota today announced a contribution of $75,000 toward the effort to build a bronze statue of Medgar Wiley Evers on the campus of Alcorn State University. The statue will serve as a testament to furthering equal rights education, citizenship, the arts, and tourism, and will be the newest highlight on the Mississippi Civil Rights Trail and the Mississippi Historical Marker Trail.
"Toyota is pleased to support this effort by Alcorn State University honoring the courage, dedication and leadership of an Alcorn State graduate Medgar Evers,” said Wil James, president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc.
The contribution builds on Toyota’s commitment to give back to the local communities in which it does business. In November 2011, Toyota began production of the Corolla at the Blue Springs, Mississipi, plant and recently began second shift operation.
"This donation reflects Toyota's commitment to education and diversity, and we are grateful for their generous support," said M. Christopher Brown II, president of Alcorn State University. "Medgar Wiley Evers legacy of leadership and courage inspires all people, especially students, in their pursuit of knowledge and their desire to effect positive societal change."
In 1948, Medgar Evers enrolled at Alcorn A&M College, now Alcorn State University, majoring in business administration. Evers was captain of the football team and debate team, yearbook editor, ran track, sang in the school choir, and served as president of the junior class. The year 2013 will mark the 50th anniversary of Mr. Evers's assassination. The statue will feature an account of Evers' most notable achievements and contributions to civil rights and will be unveiled in early Spring 2013.
Posted By: Reginald Culpepper
Monday, February 27th 2012 at 2:15PM
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