Sculpture honoring legacy of Shirlene Mercer unveiled in downtown Jackson

JACKSON, Tenn. — Shirlene Mercer, born in Jackson, is remembered for prolific presence throughout the civil rights movement serving as a trailblazer in her efforts to make a difference, and invoke change personifying strength, stewardship, and courage throughout the community.

A memorial project in Mercer’s memory showcases a monument and a bust sculpture completed in partnership the community foundation of West Tennessee.

“If you come by and see the sculpture, the three words that were chosen to describe here was: Civil rights activist, teacher, and humanitarian. It’s who she was. She fought hard for civil rights here in Tennessee as a whole–especially here in Jackson,” said Clarie Pruett, community development director for the City of Jackson.

Pieces of Mercer’s legacy in Jackson are evident throughout the city.

Notably, a park in east Jackson is named after Mercer that contains a plaque that lists her lifelong achievements.

After graduating from Merry High, she pursued higher education at Lane College during the 1960s, then soon after fulfilled key positions in multiple groups and organizations within the community.

“When she was a part of the Freshman Four from Lane College I think that embarked on her community activism and everything that she tried to pour into the community in terms of impact and change,” said Tina Mercer, daughter of Shirlene.

Mercer was an active member of the NAACP, serving as an assistant to the Tennessee State Conference and a diamond life member of the Jackson-Madison County branch.

“Service is the rent you pay for the life that you have. That quote I remember being said speaks to what her life is and what it means,” said Luther Mercer II, son of Shirlene.

This process, which has been two years in the making, culminated Tuesday with the unveiling of the sculpture on Mercer’s birthday.

“60 years ago she was cussed at, beaten, arrested, spit at, laughed at–and now honored. It’s full circle and it’s amazing to do today, to honor her,” said Mayor Scott Conger.

Local artist Wanda Stanfill and Lugar Foundry collaborated to create this bronze sculpture. You can see it on display in the front of the city hall in dowtown Jackson.

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