Civil rights leader Elbert Williams memorialized 75 years after his death
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BROWNSVILLE, Tenn. — A civil rights leader who was murdered in the 1940s is finally given the memorial he deserves, and big names visited West Tennessee in his honor. Hundreds united under one roof in Brownsville for the memorial of Elbert Williams, the first known NAACP member to be murdered in pursuit of equal rights 75 years ago. Memorial committee members and family also unveiled Williams’ historical marker downtown. The marker was engraved with Williams’ story, including his attempts to secretly reassemble the town’s NAACP chapter to help black voters. Those on the memorial committee said his plan was overheard. He was kidnapped and killed. “This really inspired me to live a better life and carry on the heritage my uncle had,” said Sky Green, Williams’ great-great-grand niece. President of the NAACP Dr. Cornell William Brooks was the keynote speaker and said more people in the younger generation, like Green, should listen to the stories of their grandparents. “Every generation has its leaders, but every generation of leaders borrows from the generation before it,” Brooks said. Williams’ grave has yet to be located.
