Canton unveils marker honoring March Against Fear

Special to The Canton News 

A new marker was recently unveiled at McNeal Elementary School in Canton to commemorate the city’s role in the 1966 March Against Fear.

The event, organized by the Canton Convention and Visitors Bureau, highlighted a pivotal moment in civil rights history. On June 23, 1966, civil rights marchers arrived in Canton and attempted to set up tents on the grounds of McNeal Elementary School. According to the newly-installed marker, the group was tear-gassed by the Mississippi Highway Patrol. Despite several injuries, the marchers returned the following night and continued their journey toward Jackson.

The March Against Fear began in 1966 when civil rights activist James Meredith set out to walk from Memphis to Jackson to challenge voter intimidation and inspire civic engagement. After Meredith was wounded in an assassination attempt on June 6, leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr. and Stokely Carmichael, joined the effort and continued the march.

The text on the marker reads:
“In 1966, civil rights activist James Meredith began the March Against Fear from Memphis to Jackson. On June 6, Meredith was wounded in an assassination attempt. Martin Luther King Jr., Stokely Carmichael, and other activists continued the march. On June 23, the marchers arrived in Canton and tried to erect tents here on the grounds of McNeal Elementary School, where they were tear-gassed by the Mississippi Highway Patrol. Despite several injuries, the marchers returned the next night and then continued the march toward Jackson.”

Canton Tourism issued a statement in conjunction with the event:
“Canton remembers. Canton honors. We honored history at McNeal Elementary with the unveiling of the March Against Fear marker, a permanent tribute to the brave voices who stood for justice — right here in Canton. Thank you to all who made this moment possible.”

“The unveiling of the March Against Fear marker at McNeal Elementary School was more than a ceremony — it was a moment of reflection, gratitude and remembrance. We are honored to permanently recognize the courageous actions of those who walked before us and to share this history with future generations in Canton.”

The marker stands as a lasting reminder of the events that took place in Canton and serves as an educational resource for the community.