Heritage Awards showcase civil rights advocates

“If people forget their history, they are doomed to repeat it.”

Chaney, Dr. Felix Dunn, and sisters Dorie and Joyce Ladner were all honored Feb. 28 for their contributions, courage, and dedication during the civil rights movement in Mississippi. More than 550 people attended the event held at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum Convention Center.

“It gives me chills to be here tonight,” said James Crowell, president of the NAACP’S Biloxi chapter. “We’re here because of their efforts and sacrifices.”

James Earl Chaney, a Meridian native, was killed near Philadelphia, MS during 1964’s Freedom Summer along with fellow civil rights workers Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner.

Dorie Ladner participated in every civil rights march from 1963 to 1968, including the 1963 March in Washington and the 1965 Selma to Montgomery march.

Her sister Joyce Ladner was mentored by civil rights icons Vernon Dahmer, Clyde Kennard, and Medgar Evers. She went on to become a sociology professor at Southern Illinois University.

Dr. Felix Dunn, a Gulfport physician and civic pioneer, walked side by side with Martin Luther King Jr. during the Selma marches and became the first African American to serve on the Harrison County Development Commission.

“I vowed I was going to make things better,” said Joyce Ladner. I didn’t know how, but I knew that I would. I see progress all around, but there are still many problems.”

Dorie Ladner echoed her sister’s attitude and says her call to action continues.

“I’m still fighting, and I will until the day I die.”

University of Southern Mississippi President Dr. Rodney Bennett, the first African American president at a predominantly white higher education institution in the state of Mississippi, served as the evening’s guest speaker.

“We are a stronger and better institution because of our diversity,” Bennett said. “We recognize the courage and spirit of those we are honoring tonight. Their efforts have allowed diversity to flow in Mississippi.”