GULFPORT CIVIL RIGHTS WADE-IN
The marker is located on Beach Boulevard (U. S. Highway 90)
across from the Island View Casino.
The text of the marker:
"GULFPORT CIVIL RIGHTS WADE-IN
Near this spot on April 17 and April 24, 1960, Gulfport NAACP president Dr. Felix Dunn and his family joined in peaceful "wade-in" demonstrations to challenge the laws denying African-Americans use of the beach. Gulfport police officers removed the protestors but filed no charges. In Biloxi, similar protests led to arrensts and white mob violence. These protests prompted the first intervention of the Civil Rights Division of the U. S. Justice Department challenging Mississippi's secregationist laws and practices."
Photo courtesy of Joe and Sarah Casey.
across from the Island View Casino.
The text of the marker:
"GULFPORT CIVIL RIGHTS WADE-IN
Near this spot on April 17 and April 24, 1960, Gulfport NAACP president Dr. Felix Dunn and his family joined in peaceful "wade-in" demonstrations to challenge the laws denying African-Americans use of the beach. Gulfport police officers removed the protestors but filed no charges. In Biloxi, similar protests led to arrensts and white mob violence. These protests prompted the first intervention of the Civil Rights Division of the U. S. Justice Department challenging Mississippi's secregationist laws and practices."
Photo courtesy of Joe and Sarah Casey.
