Evers was Mississippi field secretary for the NAACP when he was assassinated outside his home in June, 1963. Mabus used to be governor of Mississippi - and Evers-Williams says he made a promise to her more than 20 years ago: that he would find an appropriate way to commemorate her late husband's legacy.
Evers-Williams was invited to the ceremony, not knowing what it was for. She says everyone involved tried to keep the naming of the vessel a secret from her until it was announced. Smiling at Mabus, she said to him: "Mission accomplished."
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