Monroe Evans facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Monroe Evans
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|---|---|
| Mayor of Fayetteville, North Carolina | |
| In office 1965–1969 |
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| Preceded by | Wilber Clark |
| Succeeded by | Charles B.C. Holt |
| Personal details | |
| Spouse | Mildred (nee Dlugin) Evans |
| Profession | Democratic |
Monroe E. Evans is an American politician who served as the mayor of Fayetteville, North Carolina, from 1965 until 1969. He was the city's first Jewish mayor. Evans played an important role in helping Fayetteville end segregation during the 1960s.
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Who Was Monroe Evans?
Monroe E. Evans was a key leader in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He became mayor in 1965 and served until 1969. During his time as mayor, he was known for helping the city through a big change. He was also the first Jewish person to hold the mayor's office in Fayetteville.
His Family Background
The Evans family came from Lithuania. They were Lithuanian Jews who moved to the United States. Monroe Evans's father, Isaac Evans, was born in a small village in Lithuania in 1877. Monroe had a brother named Mutt Evans. Mutt also became a mayor, serving in Durham, North Carolina, from 1951 to 1963. Monroe's nephew, Eli Evans, later wrote a book about Jewish people in the American South.
Leading Desegregation in Fayetteville
One of Mayor Evans's most important jobs was leading Fayetteville's efforts to end segregation. Segregation was a system that kept people of different races, especially Black and white people, separate. This happened in schools, restaurants, and other public places.
This change happened during the Civil Rights Movement. This movement worked to give equal rights to all Americans. Mayor Evans worked closely with many community and city leaders. Together, they helped Fayetteville make this big transition.
In 2001, Monroe Evans shared his thoughts with a local newspaper, the Fayetteville Observer. He said, "It was a rough time... But I got a lot of good people to work with. It worked here in Fayetteville." His leadership helped Fayetteville move forward peacefully.
On February 1, 2001, Fayetteville State University (FSU) recognized Mayor Evans. They honored him and three other people for their important work during the Civil Rights Movement.
Later Public Service
After his time as mayor, Monroe Evans continued to serve his community. Around 1990, he was appointed to the Fayetteville Airport Commission. He worked there with another former mayor, Beth Finch.
