Connect the Dots 101

Q— What was your reaction to the killing of George Floyd.

A— My reaction was horror, deep sadness. This man lost his life in a manner that says to me that America, land of my birth, has not changed that much since my husband, Medgar Evers, was shot down at the doorstep of our home on June 12 1963.

Q— Do today’s events recall his death?

A– Everything that is happening now reminds me of that night.

When our three little children heard Medgar’s car pull into the driveway, they jumped up for joy and shouted, “There’s Daddy.” But before they could get to the door a shot rang out.

The two older children grabbed their younger brother and crawled to the bathroom to get in the tub, which Medgar taught them was the safest place in the house if ever there was gunfire.

I rushed to the door and screamed when I saw his body, then the children came out and ran to him. They were covered with his blood and screamed, “Daddy!” “Get up!”

“You have to meet fear head on.”

AARP Bulletin,September, 2020