JACKSON — FedEx will sponsor free admission to the Two Mississippi Museums during an extended observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday from Jan. 17–20. Events will include the MLK Night of Culture and National Day of Racial Healing programs.
The annual observance invites visitors to learn more about King’s legacy and Mississippi’s role in the Civil Rights Movement through educational programs, performances and public discussions.
“We are grateful to FedEx for its continued support of our annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration,” said Michael Morris, director of the Two Mississippi Museums. “This weekend offers opportunities for reflection, learning and community engagement.”
FedEx has sponsored the free-admission weekend for seven consecutive years. This marks the second year the company has extended sponsorship to include Tuesday, Jan. 20, designated as the National Day of Racial Healing.
“At FedEx, we believe every individual deserves the opportunity to thrive in work and life,” said Rose Jackson Flenorl, manager of equality, opportunity and diversity. “That belief aligns with Dr. King’s vision and reflects our continued support of the Two Mississippi Museums.”
King’s ties to Mississippi include his support of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party during Freedom Summer in 1964 and his participation in the March Against Fear in 1966, which ended in Jackson.
“The MLK celebration provides an opportunity to reflect on Mississippi’s place in our nation’s history,” said Katie Blount, director of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, which administers the museums. “Support from FedEx helps ensure these stories remain accessible as we honor King’s legacy.”
The MLK Night of Culture will feature the theatrical production A Carefully Calculated Murder at 6 p.m. Jan. 19 in the Craig H. Neilsen Auditorium. The 45-minute performance by Meridian High School students is based on the June 1964 Neshoba County murders of civil rights workers James Chaney, Michael Schwerner and Andrew Goodman.
Amanda Furdge, a Mississippi-based writer, poet and community organizer, will serve as emcee for the event.
The 2026 National Day of Racial Healing will be observed Tuesday, Jan. 20, with a panel discussion on faith and philanthropy honoring activists Rims and Judy Barber. The program begins at 11 a.m. in the Craig H. Neilsen Auditorium. Lunch will be provided by the Foundation for the Mid South.
A reception will follow from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Two Mississippi Museums, providing space for attendees to share stories and reflections on the Barbers’ legacy.
Rims Barber, a Presbyterian minister from Iowa, came to Mississippi in 1964 as a Freedom Summer volunteer and later worked in civil rights advocacy, community organizing and public policy. His work included service with the Delta Ministry, involvement with the Freedom City project in Greenville, support of redistricting lawsuits and leadership with the Children’s Defense Fund. He and his wife live in Jackson and remain active in community advocacy.
The Two Mississippi Museums opened Dec. 9, 2017, in conjunction with Mississippi’s bicentennial. Museum hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
For more information, call 601-576-6850 or email [email protected].
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 29 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 29 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
