Evelyn G. Lowery facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Evelyn G. Lowery
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| Born |
Evelyn Gibson
February 16, 1925 |
| Died | September 26, 2013 (aged 88) |
| Organization | SCLC/W.O.M.E.N. Inc. Lowery Institute |
| Movement | Civil Rights Movement |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | 3 |
| Awards | SCLC Rosa Parks Award |
Evelyn Gibson Lowery was an important American civil rights activist and leader. She worked hard to make things fair for everyone. She lived from February 16, 1925, to September 26, 2013.
Contents
Early Life and Activism
Evelyn Lowery was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on February 16, 1925. Her parents, Rev. Dr. Harry and Evelyn Gibson, were also activists. They taught her the importance of fighting for human rights. This inspired her work throughout her life. Her father was the president of the NAACP in Memphis. Her mother also worked with many community groups.
Evelyn went to Clark College and Youngstown University. In 1950, she married Rev. Joseph Lowery. He was a leader of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). He worked closely with Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement. This movement worked to end unfair treatment and segregation for African Americans. Evelyn also marched in the famous Selma to Montgomery March in 1965. She even walked the route again several times to remember its importance.
Championing Women and Families
In 1979, Evelyn Lowery saw a special need to help women and families. She started an organization called SCLC/Women’s Organizational Movement for Equality Now, Inc. (W.O.M.E.N.). This group was connected to the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Its main goal was to support the rights of women, children, and families. It helped people who were treated unfairly, no matter their background.
Through SCLC/W.O.M.E.N., Evelyn Lowery created many helpful programs. She started education and mentoring programs for young people. She also raised awareness about HIV/AIDS. Her organization collected over $350,000 for scholarships. These scholarships helped high school students go to college. Evelyn also worked to connect with other women's groups. She formed partnerships across the country and around the world.
Honoring Civil Rights Heroes
In 1980, Evelyn Lowery created the Drum Major For Justice Award. This award ceremony is held every year in April. It is near the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s death. Dr. King once said he wanted to be remembered as a "Drum Major For Justice." The award honors people who have fought for freedom and equality. It also recognizes those who have achieved great things in their jobs.
Many famous people have received this award. Some of them include Rosa Parks, The Original Tuskegee Airmen, Rev. Hosea Williams, Maya Angelou, Harry Belafonte, Bill Cosby, Oprah Winfrey, Dr. Mae Jemison, Andrew Young, Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., and James Meredith. Evelyn Lowery also helped build important monuments. She was responsible for the Civil Rights Freedom Wall in Perry County, Alabama. She also helped put up monuments honoring civil rights heroes. These include Viola Liuzzo, John Lewis, and Hosea Williams.
In 2004, Evelyn Lowery herself was honored. She was recognized at the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame. This special place is located at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site in Atlanta, Georgia.
Later Years and Death
Evelyn Lowery was hospitalized on September 18, 2013. She had a severe stroke. She passed away at her home in Georgia on September 26, 2013. She was 88 years old.
