Meridian Architectural Trust highlights civil rights landmarks

MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) - Civil rights landmarks are all over the city of Meridian. The Meridian Architectural Trust is trying to help educate people about them and increase the appreciation for their role in our local history.

Ways to save and restore this historic architecture was highlighted at the latest ‘lunch and learn’ hosted by MAT, which are opportunities for people to learn about these buildings and the significance they have in the community.

It was held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, known for its history with the civil rights movement and the people who once attended.

“So what’s special is that we’re talking specifically about one of our Meridian landmarks, and we’re going into the history of the church and the school as well as what civil rights were involved here, such as James Chaney who was killed in 1964 in Philadelphia, he actually went to school here and was an altar boy at St. Joseph’s Church up until ninth grade,” said chair, Tracy Towner.

The next lunch and learn session will be at Church of the Mediator Tuesday, Sept. 13.

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