The Kneel-Ins: The Voices, the Vision Forward: “How Do We ‘Kneel-In’ and Witness in Jackson Today?”

From Saturday, December 2, through Monday, December 4, the Jackson Interfaith Civil Rights Committee is hosting a series of free events entitled The Kneel-Ins: The Voices and the Vision Forward to commemorate the church visit campaign of 1963 and 1964. These programs are supported by the Mississippi Humanities Council.

The Jackson Kneel-In movement was an attempt by an interracial group of students, parishioners, and civil rights activists to integrate Protestant and Catholic churches in downtown Jackson. Organizers used direct-action protest to urge the church-goers and ministers at segregated churches to open their sanctuaries to African-American worshipers.

At 2 p.m. Sunday, December 3, at the Old Capitol Museum House Chamber, Augustus Argrett will lead a discussion themed “How Do We Kneel-In and Witness in Jackson Today?” Von Gordon of the William Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation; author Ralph Eubanks; Central United Methodist Church pastor Rev. David McCoy; civil rights veteran and minister John Perkins; and Perry Perkins of Working Together Jackson all will serve as panel participants. Parking is available behind the museum.