JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Myrlie Evers-Williams says people praised her poise after her husband, Mississippi NAACP leader Medgar Evers, was assassinated 50 years ago in Jackson. But she says she struggled with wanting revenge.
After living decades in California and Oregon, Evers-Williams returned to Mississippi in 2012 to teach at Alcorn State University.
She said at a religious gathering Thursday that she sees racial progress in the state and: "I am proud to be a Mississippian."
The Governor's Prayer Luncheon was sponsored by Mission Mississippi, a racial reconciliation group that works through Christian ministry.
Republican Gov. Phil Bryant says he's happy Evers-Williams moved back to her native state. More than 800 at the luncheon applauded as Bryant called her "our daughter."
Evers-Williams gave the opening prayer Jan. 21 at President Barack Obama's inauguration.
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