Roger F. Wicker
06/19/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/19/2026 14:51
Wicker Honors Mississippi Civil Rights Story
In two weeks, Americans will celebrate the 250th Independence Day-the occasion when our founders proclaimed to the world that "all men are created equal" and that governments must derive their power "from the consent of the governed." As I write this column, we are marking another important American holiday. Juneteenth is a day that tells the story of how we have learned to live up to the lofty ideals declared on the first July 4th.
Juneteenth was celebrated on June 19th across our country long before it was officially designated as a federal holiday five years ago. On that date in 1865, General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and issued the last enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation. With the end of slavery, America moved one giant step closer to recognizing every person's God-given right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Not surprisingly, Texas was the first state to recognize Juneteenth. But today the entire nation honors the day, giving communities the chance to reflect on America's civil rights history. This Juneteenth, I am reflecting on two Mississippi landmarks that showcase our state's part in this story.
Lyceum Bears Witness to History
I recently had the opportunity to speak about the history of the Lyceum building, which sits at the heart of the University of Mississippi campus. The iconic landmark was completed in 1848. Much of its original section was built by enslaved persons.
Two decades later, during the Civil War-our nation's reckoning over slavery-the Lyceum became a military hospital. Thanks to the persuasive intervention of a university professor and the vision of General Ulysses S. Grant, the building escaped destruction.
A century later, federal officials came to Ole Miss to integrate the campus. They used the Lyceum as their headquarters, and the building bore witness to a milestone in American history. The president had to call in the National Guard to quell violence as James Meredith became the first African American to enroll at the university, boldly enduring prejudice, harassment, and danger.
Over the years, the Lyceum grew and developed, just as our country did. School officials added a lecture hall, a chemistry laboratory, and two new wings-all without sacrificing its beauty. In both its history and its architecture, the building tells an important part of Mississippi's story.
Evers Home Preserves History
In Jackson, Mississippians recently marked the anniversary of Medgar Evers' assassination by visiting the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home. The property has been restored to appear as it did when these civil rights leaders lived at the home.
Medgar Evers served in World War II, helping save the world from tyranny. When he returned from Europe, Evers devoted his life to expanding economic opportunity, voting rights, and access to public facilities for African Americans. Echoing the ideals of the Declaration of Independence, he said, "the gifts of God should be enjoyed by all citizens in Mississippi."
When I was just 11 years old, Medgar Evers was struck by an assassin's bullet outside his home. That day is etched in the memory of many Mississippians. It is important that his story not be forgotten, but over the years, Medgar Evers' life has begun passing from living memory.
In 2019, Senator Hyde-Smith, Congressman Thompson, and I reintroduced legislation to designate the family home as a national monument. That bill became law that year, and the home permanently stands as a tangible record of the Evers' story. In 2024, the Mississippi congressional delegation also secured a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom award for this civil rights hero.
As we celebrate Juneteenth and our upcoming 250th Independence Day, these Mississippi landmarks remind us of the remarkable values in our founding documents and of the courageous individuals who have fought to extend them to all Americans.
Juneteenth was celebrated on June 19th across our country long before it was officially designated as a federal holiday five years ago. On that date in 1865, General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and issued the last enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation. With the end of slavery, America moved one giant step closer to recognizing every person's God-given right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Not surprisingly, Texas was the first state to recognize Juneteenth. But today the entire nation honors the day, giving communities the chance to reflect on America's civil rights history. This Juneteenth, I am reflecting on two Mississippi landmarks that showcase our state's part in this story.
Lyceum Bears Witness to History
I recently had the opportunity to speak about the history of the Lyceum building, which sits at the heart of the University of Mississippi campus. The iconic landmark was completed in 1848. Much of its original section was built by enslaved persons.
Two decades later, during the Civil War-our nation's reckoning over slavery-the Lyceum became a military hospital. Thanks to the persuasive intervention of a university professor and the vision of General Ulysses S. Grant, the building escaped destruction.
A century later, federal officials came to Ole Miss to integrate the campus. They used the Lyceum as their headquarters, and the building bore witness to a milestone in American history. The president had to call in the National Guard to quell violence as James Meredith became the first African American to enroll at the university, boldly enduring prejudice, harassment, and danger.
Over the years, the Lyceum grew and developed, just as our country did. School officials added a lecture hall, a chemistry laboratory, and two new wings-all without sacrificing its beauty. In both its history and its architecture, the building tells an important part of Mississippi's story.
Evers Home Preserves History
In Jackson, Mississippians recently marked the anniversary of Medgar Evers' assassination by visiting the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home. The property has been restored to appear as it did when these civil rights leaders lived at the home.
Medgar Evers served in World War II, helping save the world from tyranny. When he returned from Europe, Evers devoted his life to expanding economic opportunity, voting rights, and access to public facilities for African Americans. Echoing the ideals of the Declaration of Independence, he said, "the gifts of God should be enjoyed by all citizens in Mississippi."
When I was just 11 years old, Medgar Evers was struck by an assassin's bullet outside his home. That day is etched in the memory of many Mississippians. It is important that his story not be forgotten, but over the years, Medgar Evers' life has begun passing from living memory.
In 2019, Senator Hyde-Smith, Congressman Thompson, and I reintroduced legislation to designate the family home as a national monument. That bill became law that year, and the home permanently stands as a tangible record of the Evers' story. In 2024, the Mississippi congressional delegation also secured a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom award for this civil rights hero.
As we celebrate Juneteenth and our upcoming 250th Independence Day, these Mississippi landmarks remind us of the remarkable values in our founding documents and of the courageous individuals who have fought to extend them to all Americans.
Roger F. Wicker published this content on June 19, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on June 19, 2026 at 20:51 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]