Hundreds Attend Jackson Mayor’s Funeral

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The funeral for Jackson Mayor Chokwe Lumumba brought hundreds of mourners to the Jackson Convention Complex.

Myrlie Evers-Williams remembered Lumumba during the service Saturday as someone who pushed federal prosecutors to try the man accused of killing her husband, civil rights leader Medgar Evers. That trial convicted Byron de la Beckwith.

Former Mississippi Gov. William Winter apologized for what he called an old white man’s stereotype, saying he was wrong to fear that Lumumba might divide Jackson. Winter said Lumumba brought a spirit of inclusiveness and reconciliation.

Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan sent representatives and a letter.

The 66-year-old mayor was born in Detroit as Edwin Taliaferro. He died Feb. 25 after eight months in office. The Hinds County coroner said he died of natural causes.

Categories: Local News

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