In May 1970, the sound of gunfire aimed at students ceased sounds of protest on what was then the Jackson State College campus (now Jackson State University). What came of those gunshots would be remembered on campus for decades.
That night Jackson Police and Mississippi Highway Patrol officers shot and killed Phillip Lafayette Gibbs–a 21-year-old Jackson State student–and James Earl Green, 17, a Jim Hill High School student. The gunfire also left 12 other students injured. The students were protesting a recent killing of four Kent State University students.
Yesterday, Jackson State University unveiled its second Freedom Trail marker at the corner of John R. Lynch and Prentiss streets in remembrance of the young men who lost their lives. The first marker was set in front of Ayers Hall in April 2012. The program included several remarks from JSU students. The Jim Hill High School choir performed as well.
David Hoard, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, said the program was purposefully put together to include several student speakers. “This is what Jackson State University is all about,” Hoard said. “That is what happened at the Gibbs-Green Plaza 42 years ago. It involved students.” Students spoke about the benefits of learning from their history and moving forward to make a difference.
CORRECTION Nov. 5. A previous version of this story incorrectly identified the former name of Jackson State University as Jackson State Community College instead of Jackson State College. JSCC is a community college in Jackson, Tenn. We apologize for the error.
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The Mississippi Free Press produced this story through the MFP Solutions Lab, supported by the Solutions Journalism Network. This series digs into Mississippi’s systemic issues and sheds light on responses to them in other communities. Beyond just reporting on problems, these stories interrogate their causes and inspect potential solutions.