Memorial service in honor of Biloxi Beach Wade-Ins

It’s been 60 years since the Biloxi Wade-Ins when unarmed African American protestors suffered while taking a stand to desegregate the beaches.

To honor those like Dr. Gilbert R. Mason Sr. and Clemon P. Jimerson Sr., a memorial service will focus on the next generation of leaders who are currently dealing with racial injustices in the world today.

Therefore, after the traditional memorial service, a youth walk will take place from the pavilion near Lighthouse Park on to the beach.

This is to educate the community on how much things have changed and the long road ahead in regards to standing up for equality. Co-lead Organizer John Kemp said, “What I’ve been wanting to do is have a picture of young people coming on to the beach versus being ran off to the beach. So, we are going to get a photograph of the young people marching over here and then we are going to put it next to what happened 60 years ago.”

Youth Walk Participant Saveair Kemp said, “It feels great to acknowledge that and try to educate other people on the issues we’ve had in our society and what we can do to pay tribute to those who have struggled in the past here.”

The memorial service will kick off on Saturday at 5:30 at Lighthouse Park as Clemon P. Jimerson Sr. will host a roll call in honor of the participants from the wade-ins 60 years ago.

The Youth Walk onto the beach in Biloxi will take place after the memorial service.