DISTINGUISHED LECTURE: Jesse Epps inspires

On February 10, 2009, civil rights activist Jesse Epps spoke as part of Mercer's Distinguished Lecture Series. Epps was invited by Dr. Eric Watson, professor of English and African American History as part of Mercer's Black History Month cultural offerings.

Jesse Epps grew up in Dublin , Mississippi and is known for his work with the Southern Leadership Group and the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) in Georgia. Epps fought for civil rights in the 1960's. He was a friend and advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. He was working with King to negotiate for better wages and working conditions for black sanitation workers in Memphis, Tennessee when King was killed. Epps was with him in the hours just before King was murdered. He describes King as having been "a common man and very down to earth."

Professor Watson, who organized the event, said he was pleased to see how many students were in attendance. Watson first met Epps in Memphis, Tennessee in 1998 during a 30 year celebration of the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr. He found himself moved by a speech Epps gave and wanted to know more about the man who he now says he sees as a "grandfather" figure.

Epps grew up in the deep south during the Jim Crow era when racial injustice was constant and overt. During his lecture, Epps shared a story of his formative years and witnessing a black man being killed right before his eyes just for being on the same sidewalk as a white male. It was clear that this and other events lead to his determination to support the labor and civil rights movements.

The lecture was well attended and those in the audience appeared moved by Epps's personal stories and motivational speech. During the question and answer portion of the lecture, students asked many questions about Epps's views of the current racial situation in American. Epps's responses focused on personal responsibility; he ended by saying "You all are the future that's make it a bright one.