Families enjoy James Chaney Memorial Day in the Park

Published 6:15 pm Saturday, May 27, 2017

Many local families spent Saturday at James Chaney Memorial Park in Meridian remembering the park’s namesake for his contribution to the civil rights movement.

Youngsters enjoyed a host of activities, such as kickball, tug of war, a bouncy house, basketball and arts and crafts. The new playground at the park also got a good workout from many area children.

Religious and civic organizations offered a variety of delicacies, and those attending enjoyed music provided by The Turntable Genius. Members of the Meridian Police Department and Meridian Fire Department were also on hand and were seen mingling with the crowds.

James Earl Chaney, a Meridian native, was killed in June 1964, along with New Yorkers Michael Schwerner and Andrew Goodman during Freedom Summer, a drive to register African-Americans to vote. Tuesday would have been Chaney’s 74th birthday.