About Everlasting: Life and Legacy of Medgar Evers
MPB is proud to announce "Everlasting: Life and Legacy of Medgar Evers" which premieres exclusively on MPB Television. The film explores the life, work, and enduring influence of civil rights leader Medgar Evers, who was assassinated outside his Jackson home in 1963.
Originally from Decatur, Mississippi, Evers played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement as the state’s first field secretary for the NAACP. He organized voter registration drives, investigated acts of racial violence, and advocated for the desegregation of public institutions. Everlasting traces both his personal and professional journey, offering insight into his leadership, the dangers he faced, and the lasting impact of his work—and his death—on his family and the nation.
The documentary weaves together decades of archival material with new footage and interviews with historians, activists, and Evers' own family members. It paints a nuanced portrait of Evers not just as a leader, but also as a husband and father striving to balance the weight of his mission with the needs of his family. The film also places Evers' work within the broader context of the civil rights struggle in Mississippi during the mid-20th century.
To accompany the film, MPB is releasing a companion podcast series that builds on its central themes. The podcast explores the political and social climate of the era, surfaces lesser-known stories, and examines the continued relevance of Evers’ activism today.
Everlasting is part of MPB’s broader mission to document Mississippi’s history and cultural identity through original local programming. As public broadcasting organizations continue to face financial challenges, projects like Everlasting underscore the vital role MPB plays in preserving and sharing Mississippi stories that are often absent from national narratives.
Directed by Taiwo Gaynor
Podcast production by Zeke Bandy
Meet The Makers
Everlasting: The Legacy Podcast
Hosted by Rita Brent, Everlasting: The Legacy Podcast explores the life and work of Medgar Evers through in-depth conversations, never-before-heard interviews, and fully voiced readings of historical texts. Through Evers’ life story, this podcast aims to provide a deeper understanding of the Civil Right Movement and its unsung heroes.
Legacy Lounge
At the 2025 Medgar Evers Symposium in Jackson, Mississippi, MPB hosted the Legacy Lounge to honor Evers’ centennial. Held June 26–29, the event featured an extended preview of Everlasting: Life & Legacy of Medgar Evers and invited attendees to share personal stories and reflections. These interviews highlight how Evers’ life and work continue to shape the fight for justice today, serving as a living tribute to his lasting impact.
