Benjamin Brown (activist) facts for kids

Benjamin Brown (born May 12, 1945 – died May 12, 1967) was an African-American student. He was involved in the Civil Rights Movement, which worked for equal rights for all people. Benjamin Brown died on his university campus during a difficult situation between students and law enforcement.

He was accidentally hit by two stray shotgun blasts. This happened while he was getting a sandwich for his wife. No one was ever arrested for his death.

Benjamin Brown's Story

Benjamin Brown was a student at Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi. He was born in 1945. He was part of the important Civil Rights Movement. This movement worked to end unfair treatment and segregation in the United States.

A Tragic Day

On May 12, 1967, Benjamin Brown was on his university campus. There was a tense situation happening between students and law enforcement officers. Benjamin Brown was not directly involved in the protest. He was just on the sidelines after picking up food.

Sadly, during this event, two stray shotgun blasts hit him. These shots came from law enforcement officers. Benjamin Brown died on his 22nd birthday.

Seeking Answers and Remembrance

Years later, in 2001, a group of people called a grand jury looked into Benjamin Brown's case again. They decided that two officers, who had since passed away, were responsible. These officers were Buddy Kane and Lloyd Jones.

Benjamin Brown's family later filed a lawsuit against the city of Jackson. They reached an agreement and received $50,000. Even with this, there has never been a special marker on the Jackson State University campus to remember what happened to Benjamin Brown.

The Southern Poverty Law Center is an organization that works for civil rights. They honored Benjamin Brown as a civil rights martyr. His name is on a special Civil Rights Memorial designed by artist Maya Lin. This memorial helps people remember those who died while fighting for civil rights.