OXFORD – Declaring her belief in their individual and combined power, renowned civil rights activist and author Myrlie Evers-Williams challenged University of Mississippi graduating seniors to become active in making the state, nation and world a better place for all people.

“I believe in you, and I hope you believe in yourselves, too,” Evers-Williams said Saturday as she delivered the main address at the university’s 160th Commencement. “Soar! Not only for yourselves, nor just for the betterment of Mississippi, but for betterment of all mankind. Soar, and be free.”

Myrlie Evers-Williams today (May 11) became the first person in a decade honored with a Humanitarian Award by the University of Mississippi — the same institution that turned away her late husband from entering law school.

The widow of slain Mississippi NAACP leader Medgar Evers was surprised with the award after delivering the university’s 160th commencement address this morning to Ole Miss graduates.

The award has only been bestowed twice before. In 2001, Ole Miss honored Jim and Sally Barksdale. Two years later, William and Elise Winter also received the award.

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Declaring her belief in their individual and combined power, renowned civil rights activist and author Myrlie Evers-Williams challenged University of Mississippi graduating seniors to become active in making the state, nation and world a better place for all people.

“I believe in you, and I hope you believe in yourselves, too,” Evers-Williams said today as she delivered the main address at the university’s 160th commencement ceremony. “Soar! Not only for yourselves, nor just for the betterment of Mississippi, but for betterment of all mankind. Soar, and be free.”

Read more.

Civil rights leader Myrlie Evers-Williams has told graduates at the University of Mississippi to “soar, and be free.”

She spoke Saturday during a commencement ceremony on the university’s main campus in Oxford.

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OXFORD — Civil rights leader Myrlie Evers-Williams told graduates at the University of Mississippi on Saturday they have the power “to do what is right, to do what is just” and make the world a better place.

“I believe in you, and I hope you believe in yourselves, too,” Evers-Williams said during a commencement ceremony on the university’s main campus in Oxford. “Soar! Not only for yourselves, nor just for the betterment of Mississippi, but for betterment of all mankind. Soar, and be free.”