Daughter of slain civil rights leader Medgar Evers to speak in Albany during Black History Month

ALBANY – Reena Evers-Everette, daughter of the late Medgar Evers, a nationally recognized civil rights leader assassinated for his work, will speak in Albany as part of Visit Albany’s Black History Month programming.

Evers-Everette will deliver featured remarks Feb. 18, as part of Visit Albany’s 2026 Black History Month theme: “Past, Present & Purpose.”

Partners for the programming include the city of Albany, Dougherty County, Hilton Albany and the Albany Civil Rights Institute. 

“These programs allow us to honor the past while highlighting the voices and stories that continue to shape Albany today,” Kasey L. Summerville, president and CEO of Visit Albany, said.

The event is scheduled for 11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Feb. 18 at the institute, located at 326 Whitney Ave. 

Evers-Everette is the daughter of the late Medgar Evers and Myrlie Evers-Williams. She currently serves as executive director of the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Institute. 

Her remarks will focus on legacy, leadership and the continued relevance of the civil rights movement, followed by a question-and-answer session.

A second event will take place at 5 p.m. on Feb. 26 at the Albany Welcome Center, 112 N. Front St. 

A book signing will feature author Brenda G. Brown, whose book “Echoes of a Little Brown Soldier Girl” chronicles the women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion during World War II. The unit’s story is portrayed in the Netflix film “The Six Triple Eight,” produced by Tyler Perry. 

Also participating is Albany native Cathy Wilson-Johnson, author of “Hallelujah Anyhow.”  Martae Hicks, who leads tours at the Civil Rights Institute, will serve as speaker.

In addition to those events, Visit Albany will launch the Living Legacy Project, a video series debuting on the Visit Albany YouTube channel during Black History Month. The series features Shirley Sherrod, Dorothy Hubbard, Mayor Bo Dorough, Frank Wilson and Rutha Mae Harris sharing personal reflections on Albany’s history and its significance as a place to live and visit.

The first video will be released Feb. 2, with additional videos published throughout the month.

The Oct. 18 program at the Civil Rights Institute includes lunch, and registration is required. To register, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/past-present-purpose-black-history-month-legacy-conversation-tickets-1981255883682?aff=oddtdtcreator. 

To RSVP for the book signing, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/past-present-purpose-black-history-month-book-signing-tickets-1981019261940?aff=oddtdtcreator.