African Americans and the Vote

The Theme for Black History Month 2020 is "African Americans and the Vote." To commemorate Black History Month, Joyce Powell, branch manager at Carver-McDonald Branch Library Monroe LA, invited Hezekiah Watkins, "Mississippi's Youngest Freedom Rider" to take part in this celebration of his ongoing commitment for the Civil Rights movement and justice for all on Saturday February 1, 2020. Hezekiah Watkins, as a young, black civil rights activist in Mississippi told his story, from witnessing history to being arrested at the age of 13. This landed him in the Mississippi State Penitentiary, known as Parchman Farm. He is the author of the book "Pushing Forward." The community enjoyed the presentation and knowledge that he shared about history in the making.