Mississippi College honors Medgar Wiley Evers with posthumous law degree

By AI, Created 7:18 PM UTC, May 15, 2026, /AGP/ – Mississippi College School of Law awarded a posthumous Honorary Doctor of Laws to civil rights leader Medgar Wiley Evers during its Spring Commencement on May 15 in Jackson. State Treasurer and MC Law alumnus David McRae delivered the keynote as the school marked its 50th anniversary and the university celebrated its bicentennial.

Why it matters: - Mississippi College used its Spring Commencement to connect its bicentennial and MC Law’s 50th anniversary with a high-profile recognition of Medgar Wiley Evers. - The posthumous degree honors Evers’ civil rights legacy and his long-stated wish to attend law school. - The ceremony also highlighted MC Law’s alumni network, with State Treasurer David McRae addressing more than 100 graduates.

What happened: - Mississippi College School of Law hosted Spring Commencement on May 15 in Jackson, Mississippi. - University leadership presented a posthumous Honorary Doctor of Laws degree to Evers’ family. - State Treasurer David McRae, an MC Law alumnus, delivered the commencement address. - The ceremony included a prerecorded message from Myrlie Evers-Williams. - More than 100 graduates and guests attended the event.

The details: - The Evers family received the honorary degree along with a framed citation recognizing Medgar Wiley Evers’ life, leadership and impact. - Family members accepting the degree included Reena Evers-Everette, Wanda Evers and Carolyn Evers Cockrell. - Chris Daniel, an MC Law graduate from the Class of 2002, proposed the degree initiative and accompanied the family. - Daniel said he felt a connection to Medgar Wiley Evers as a fellow war veteran and believed Evers would have been a strong law student and lawyer. - Reena Evers-Everette said her father was denied the chance to attend law school and that the rejection fueled his fight for desegregation in the South. - Patricia Bennett, dean emerita at MC Law, said Evers’ courage, intellect and moral compass reflect the values the school represents. - Dr. Blake Thompson said the university was proud to welcome McRae as speaker and honor Evers with the degree. - John Anderson, dean of MC Law, said the school was humbled to be linked with Evers through the honor.

Between the lines: - The honorary degree fits the school’s bicentennial messaging and gives the anniversary year a civil-rights-era anchor. - The recognition also serves as a symbolic correction, pairing Evers’ unrealized legal ambitions with an institution that now formally claims him. - McRae’s role as both alumnus and state treasurer reinforced the event’s blend of institutional pride and public-service messaging.

What’s next: - Mississippi College said more information about Spring Commencement is available at the graduation page. - Mississippi College will continue bicentennial celebrations throughout 2026. - MC Law will continue its 50th-anniversary observances during the year.

The bottom line: - Mississippi College turned commencement into a tribute to Medgar Wiley Evers, honoring his legacy while tying the school’s milestone year to Mississippi’s civil-rights history.