CPSD honors Glen Cotton for preserving historic Freedom House

Special to The Canton News 

As part of its Black History Spotlight, Canton Public School District Superintendent Dwight Luckett Sr. recently commended Glen Cotton for restoring and preserving the last surviving CORE Freedom House in Mississippi during the unveiling of a Mississippi Freedom Trail marker at the Canton Freedom House Civil Rights Museum.

The museum, located in Canton, once served as a key headquarters for the Congress of Racial Equality during the Civil Rights Movement. Canton residents George and Rembert Washington rented the home to CORE organizer and Freedom Rider George Raymond, who used it as a safe base for organizing protests and voter registration drives.

Cotton, the grandson of the Washingtons, led efforts to restore the home and preserve its legacy. The site now operates as the Canton Freedom House Civil Rights Museum and was officially recognized with a marker on the Mississippi Freedom Trail.

The museum offers guided tours by appointment and features photographs, articles and other civil rights memorabilia. CPSD leaders praised Cotton for safeguarding an important part of Canton’s history and ensuring future generations understand its significance.