A Day in the Life: Civil Rights Tour in Greenwood Area
As you look past the nearby Yazoo River toward Greenwood, Mississippi a journey rich in history and central to the Civil Rights Movement awaits. Here, visitors can explore stops along the Mississippi Freedom Trail and learn from the markers, museums, and historical buildings that echo the past. This tour is not merely a visit to historic sites; it is a step back in time, a walk through the paths of resilience, courage, and the unwavering pursuit of justice.
Baptist Town History
The first stop is Baptist Town, one of Greenwood’s oldest neighborhoods. The streets speak of hardship and hope. During the Civil Rights Movement, Baptist Town was home to many activists who worked tirelessly to organize meetings and marches. As you walk these streets, you can imagine the hushed conversations behind closed doors and the quiet but firm resolve in the hearts of those determined to fight for their rights. Actor Morgan Freeman spent part of his childhood here, and blues greats Robert Johnson and David “Honeyboy” Edwards both lived and performed here. Johnson and Edwards resided on Young Street with other blues musicians to escape work in the cotton fields.
The Pulse of the Movement
From Baptist Town, the tour moves to the Greenwood Movement Sites, the true pulse of the Civil Rights Movement, and continues today. Here, the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and other organizations mobilized grassroots efforts to increase Black voter registration. Standing in these places, it is easy to envision the voices of organizers rallying people, hear leaflets rustling, and feel the nervous energy of those taking a brave stand against oppression.
Next, visitors arrive at the intersection of East Scott Street and Avenue F, where the Elks Hart Lodge marker sits. The lodge was a key meeting place for activists. Highlighting where Order of Elks of the World (Black Elks) met, strategies were formed, speeches were practiced, and courage was fortified. Here, leaders like Bob Moses and Fannie Lou Hamer encouraged Greenwood’s residents to demand their right to vote, even in the face of violent resistance.
Reflections in Broad Street Park
Visitors may pause for a moment at Broad Street Park, a once-frequent gathering spot for marches and demonstrations. Maybe by grabbing lunch and sitting on a bench, one can reflect on the sheer bravery it took for ordinary citizens to stand up to injustice. One of the highlights of the park occurred on June 16, 1963, when activists attempted to march for voting rights and were met with brutal opposition. Today, the park is peaceful but stands as a solemn reminder of injustice.
The Struggle for the Ballot
The next stop is the Leflore County Courthouse, an imposing structure that bore witness to some of the most intense struggles for voting rights. It was here that black citizens faced relentless barriers when attempting to register to vote — from impossible literacy tests to sheer intimidation. In 1963, hundreds of activists gathered outside these courthouse doors, demanding the right to vote. Some were arrested, others beaten, but none wavered.
A short drive takes the tour down historic Money Road, leading to the infamous site of Bryant’s Grocery. It was here in 1955 that 14-year-old Emmett Till allegedly whistled at a white woman, an accusation that led to his brutal torture and murder. Though the grocery store itself is now in ruins, the site stands as a solemn reminder of the injustices that fueled the Civil Rights Movement. Further down Money Road is the Tallahatchie River, where Till’s lifeless body was thrown off a bridge.
Nearby, at Rail Spike Park in Greenwood, visitors can view a nine-foot-tall statue of Till in yet another powerful tribute to the young boy whose death ignited a national outcry. Standing before it, the weight of history is palpable and emotional.
The Echo of Black Power
As the day continues, another stop commemorates Stokely Carmichael’s electrifying speech on June 16, 1966, at the Black Power Marker. It was here in Greenwood the phrase “Black Power” was first publicly declared, a moment that signified a shift in the movement — from peaceful resistance to an assertive demand for rights and respect. When visiting this spot, it is easy to imagine the crowd’s energy, the passion in Carmichael’s voice, and the fire and enthusiasm he ignited in those who listened.
Associated Museums
The Museum of the Mississippi Delta contains much of the same history associated with the various markers visitors would have seen on the tour but also includes more Mississippi Delta history beyond Civil Rights. The museum dedicates sections to the state’s agricultural, Civil War, and Native American history and welcomes rotating exhibits highlighting great artists. It is located at 1608 Highway 82 West and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The “Back in the Day Museum” on Young Street serves as a community museum that delves into the history of the blues, Baptist Town and Civil Rights culture in the Delta. Tours are led by Greenwood native and owner Sylvester Hoover and are available by appointment only. For scheduling and more information, please call (662) 392-5370.
Honor the Past, Inspire the Future
The powerful stories of those who walked these streets remain vivid. Greenwood was not just a backdrop for the Civil Rights Movement; it was a battleground where ordinary people displayed extraordinary courage. The town and surrounding areas remain a living testament to the resilience of a community that refused to be silenced. Today, it stands as a key part of the National Civil Rights Trial, inviting visitors to walk in the footsteps of history and carry its lessons forward. Mississippi is one of 15 states associated with this national trail.
For those who wish to experience this powerful history firsthand, click here to download Greenwood’s Civil Rights brochure and begin your own Civil Rights journey.
