FedEx To Sponsor Free Extended MLK Weekend at the Two Mississippi Museums
FedEx will sponsor free admission to the Two Mississippi Museums during an extended observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend, Jan. 18-21.
The holiday weekend events include the MLK Night of Culture on Monday, Jan. 20, at 6 p.m. in the Craig H. Neilsen Auditorium, with a theme inspired by the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Other activities during the free weekend at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and the Museum of Mississippi History include themed crafts, student performances, museum tours on voting rights, and gallery talks from Freedom Rider Hezekiah Watkins. Additionally, staff from the Elections division of the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office will be on-site for voter registration.
“We are grateful to FedEx for their continued support of our annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration,” said Katie Blount, director of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, which administers the Two Mississippi Museums. “Welcoming the public as guests of FedEx allows more people to experience the rich, historical stories in the museum and honor this important holiday.”
Having sponsored free admission on MLK Weekend for six consecutive years, FedEx generously extended the 2025 celebration to include Tuesday, Jan. 21, a day designated as National Day of Racial Healing.
“At FedEx, we believe that every person deserves a chance to access opportunities that lead to success in work and life,” said Rose Jackson Flenorl, Manager of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Opportunity. “Dr. King dreamed this vision and we are proud to continue supporting the Two Mississippi Museums and their efforts to help visitors connect with Dr. King’s legacy.”
The MLK Night of Culture features local artists performing original pieces. The program is hosted by Alexis Noble, curator of The Mash Up, an online platform for Mississippi artists.
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a landmark civil rights law prohibiting racial voting discrimination. Following its passage, the percentage of eligible Black people registered to vote in Mississippi increased from 6.7% to 59% within two years. In 1967, Robert Clark became the first Black person elected to the Mississippi Legislature in the 20th century.
“This year marks the 60th anniversary of the law’s passage. The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum has exhibits related to that powerful historical moment,” said Two Mississippi Museums Director Michael Morris. “The holiday weekend is another opportunity to highlight Dr. King’s connections to Mississippi.”
King visited Greenwood in support of Mississippi Freedom Summer 1964 and he testified on behalf of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party (MFDP) during the 1964 Democratic National Convention. When a sniper wounded James Meredith during his March Against Fear in 1966, King was among hundreds of others who rallied to complete the march that ended in Jackson.
The Two Mississippi Museums opened on Dec. 9, 2017, in celebration of the state's bicentennial. Museum hours are Tuesday–Saturday, 9 a.m.– 5 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m.– 5 p.m.
For more information, call 601-576-6850 or email info@mdah.ms.gov.