Another civil rights icon has passed away. Civil Rights icon Charles Evers, the first Black elected mayor of a Mississippi city and brother of Medgar Evers, has died. He was 97. In 1969 Evers became the first black mayor of a Mississippi town or city since Reconstruction when he was elected mayor of Fayette. Evers died Wednesday surrounded by family. Evers' family said in a statement: "Our family appreciates the outpouring of affection, love and support over the years. Our family is heartbroken and proud of his legacy. His voice will be missed. James Charles Evers was 97 years old." James Charles Evers was born on September 11, 1922 in Decatur, Mississippi to parents Jesse Wright and James Evers. At the age of seventeen, Evers joined the U. S. Army. He served overseas during World War II, first in Australia and then in the Philippines. Evers attended Alcorn State University graduating in 1950. In 1969, Evers was named “Man of the Year” by the NAACP. Leading the charge after his brothers death, Evers organized and led many demonstrations for the rights of African Americans as the field director of the NAACP in Mississippi. Rest in power! 🙏🏿 • #unheardvoicesmag #CharlesEvers #JamesCharlesEver #MedgarEvers #NAACP #civilrights #civilrightsmovement #civilrightsicon #civilrightsleader #blackmen #blackmediamatters #alcornstateuniversity #fayettemississippi #restinpower #restinpeace #unheardvoicespioneer #blackleaders #blackleader #blackhistory #americanhistory #ushistory #leader #icon https://www.instagram.com/p/CC9ptFmFVAu/?igshid=10oby1g8yeb1c