Delta State College 1969 Sit-In Participants Honored with Mississippi Freedom Trail Marker
CLEVELAND, Miss. — A new Mississippi Freedom Trail marker recognizing the student activists of the 1969 sit-in at Delta State College (DSC) was unveiled Tuesday on the campus of Delta State University. The marker honors the students whose peaceful protest became a pivotal moment in the pursuit of racial equity and inclusion at the institution.
The ceremony was cohosted by Visit Mississippi, the Mississippi Humanities Council, and the Delta Center for Culture and Learning. The marker stands outside Kethley Hall, the site of the original protest.
In 1969, after presenting 10 demands for equity and representation, DSC students gathered outside the President’s Office in Kethley Hall to stage a peaceful sit-in. More than 50 students were arrested and taken to Parchman Penitentiary, where they continued their demonstration through unity and song. Their actions helped set in motion long-term institutional change at Delta State University.
“This marker dedication ensures that the legacy of the 1969 student activists endures as a part of Mississippi’s civil rights story. Their determination helped move institutions and our state toward greater inclusivity,” said Visit Mississippi Director Rochelle Hicks. “We are honored to stand with our Mississippi Freedom Trail partners and the greater Cleveland community to recognize their contributions, as Visit Mississippi’s cultural trails program serves to shine light on the people, places and events that have shape Mississippi’s dynamic cultural heritage.”
Tuesday’s program included a welcome from Delta State University President Daniel Ennis, with remarks and reflections from Delta Center for Culture and Learning Director Mandy Truman; Central District Transportation Commissioner Willie Simmons of the Mississippi Department of Transportation; retired Delta State University Professor Georgene Clark; DSC 1969 sit-in participant Maggie Crawford; Visit Mississippi Chief Sales Officer Kammie Carpenter; and Mississippi Humanities Council Director of Strategic Initiatives John Spann.
About the Mississippi Freedom Trail:
The Mississippi Freedom Trail pays tribute to Mississippi’s profound impact on the U.S. civil rights movement. The statewide initiative features over 40 markers commemorating the individuals, locations, and pivotal events that were instrumental in the struggle for civil rights. Administered by Visit Mississippi in partnership with the Mississippi Humanities Council, the Mississippi Freedom Trail is supported by a State Tourism Grant from the US. Economic Development Administration.
For more information about the Mississippi Freedom Trail and to explore tourism offerings in Mississippi, visit visitmississippi.org.
About Visit Mississippi:
Celebrated as The Hospitality State and proudly known as the Birthplace of America’s Music, Mississippi invites visitors to experience a rich tapestry of culture, history, and unforgettable adventures. From the soulful sounds of the Delta to the serene beauty of the Gulf Coast and Appalachian foothills, Mississippi is a destination where every journey tells a story.
Visit Mississippi, a division of the Mississippi Development Authority, serves as the state’s official destination marketing organization. As storytellers and cultural ambassadors, we champion Mississippi through strategic global marketing, innovative partnerships, and creative collaboration. Our mission is to elevate the state’s thriving tourism economy and inspire visitors from around the world to discover the magic that is Mississippi.
Media Contact:
Katie Coats
Chief Marketing Officer, Visit Mississippi
Office: 601-359-3035
Cell: 228-357-4086
Email: KCoats@mississippi.org
