The new book sheds light on the enduring love between civil rights activists Medgar and Myrlie Evers (now Evers-Williams) and their profound impact on the civil rights movement.
The conversation revolved around themes of courage and conviction, standing up for justice, and displaying bravery in the face of adversity. Reid, one of the most influential and outspoken voices in all of news, also touched on several issues including the book.
“What inspired me to do this piece was Myrlie Evers-Williams herself,” Reid recalled. “Just meeting her in person for the first time in 2018 and hearing her talk about her late husband had been almost six decades, but she still spoke about him with this incredible and deep love.”
The 352-page book relives Medgar Evers’ central role in pivotal civil rights events, such as the Civil Rights Act and the March on Washington.
“What I learned in doing the research for the book is just how central Medgar Evers was to the whole story, to all the stories that we know more about, to the Civil Rights Act,” she explained.
Regarding the relationship between Medgar and Myrlie, Reid emphasized, “They were an intellectual romance before they were a physical romance.” She highlighted the challenges they faced but underscored the strength of their marriage, stating, “They stuck through it because, in the end, Myrlie Evers admired her husband. She admired his manliness, determination, and love for his people.”
Reid praised individuals like Democratic Reps. Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts and Cori Bush of Missouri, and the two Tennessee state Reps. Justin Jones and Justin Pearson. “In the face of a lot of cowardice, you do have a lot of really strong, really powerful voices of courage,” Reid asserted.
