Freedom Rider Ben Cox Dies
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One of the original Freedom Riders of the Civil Rights Movement died Sunday, June 12, at the age of 79. Reverend Ben Cox was instrumental in leading nonviolent demonstrations in the desegregation of establishments and public facilities throughout the south in the 1960’s. “They started out with just 13 individuals and of course that grew to over 400, but those original those original individuals, which there are only 3 left now, made a tremendous sacrifice…. There were fire bombs on those buses, lives were threatened and they endured tremendous pain and suffering,” said Harrell Carter, President of the Jackson Chapter of the NAACP. Cox was born in Whiteville, lived in Jackson at the time of his death and was involved in the Civil Rights Movement at an early age. “They endured extensive training to ensure that their emotions didn’t out way the cause,” said Carter. Carter said Cox believed service to others came before self. “He really thought it was worth it. He just wanted to do more,” said Edna Cox, wife of Cox. She was married to Cox for 12 years. “He was a great person. Great father, great husband and we had twelve good years together, although sickly years, but good years,” said Edna. Cox served, for a time, as pastor of Cumberland Missionary Baptist Church in Jackson. A viewing will be held from 9 a.m.-8 p.m Friday, June 17, at Mercer Brother’s Funeral Home located at 501 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Jackson. Another viewing will be held at from 12-2 p.m. Saturday, June 18, at New St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church located at 1670 North Royal Drive in Jackson with the funeral to follow at 2 p.m. The public is invited to all services.
