COFO Building: A Legacy of Civil Rights and Mississippi’s Freedom Movement

COFO Building on John R. Lynch Street, circa 1960s.

Historical Role in the Civil Rights Era

The COFO Building, located at 1017 John R. Lynch Street on the campus of Jackson State University (JSU), stands as a testament to the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi. From 1961 to 1964, this building served as the headquarters for the Council of Federated Organizations (COFO), a vital coalition of civil rights groups, including SNCC, CORE, SCLC, and the NAACP. COFO was instrumental in organizing Freedom Summer in 1964, a landmark event designed to challenge segregation and increase Black voter registration in Mississippi.

The building is situated in the heart of Jackson, Mississippi, a city that played a central role in the Civil Rights Movement. In the early 1960s, Jackson was a hotbed of activism, and the COFO Building became the nerve center for strategizing and coordinating civil rights activities across the state. It was here that many of the most significant campaigns of the era were planned, including efforts to dismantle the Jim Crow laws that had disenfranchised African Americans for generations.

The Freedom Summer and COFO’s Role

Freedom Summer, or the Mississippi Summer Project, was one of the boldest initiatives of the Civil Rights Movement. In 1964, over 1,000 volunteers—mostly young, white college students from around the country—came to Mississippi to assist with voter registration drives and to promote civil rights for African Americans. The COFO Building was the central command post for the Freedom Summer effort, where activists met, strategized, and coordinated logistics. They organized voter registration drives, established freedom schools to educate African American children, and created the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party (MFDP) as an alternative to the state’s all-white delegation to the Democratic National Convention.

The efforts of COFO and its volunteers in Freedom Summer were met with violent opposition. On June 21, 1964, three civil rights workers—James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner—were abducted and murdered by members of the Ku Klux Klan. Their deaths sparked outrage and national attention, becoming a rallying cry for the movement. Despite the violence, COFO’s work continued to mobilize and inspire future generations of activists, and the COFO Building became synonymous with the courage, commitment, and sacrifices made by those who sought justice and equality.

The COFO Building’s Significance in Mississippi’s Civil Rights History

Beyond Freedom Summer, the COFO Building played an essential role in coordinating grassroots activism across Mississippi. It was the site of meetings and planning sessions for various campaigns, and many of the most influential leaders of the Civil Rights Movement worked out of the COFO office. Leaders such as Fannie Lou Hamer, Aaron Henry, and Dave Dennis were regulars in the building, leading marches, rallies, and efforts to challenge Mississippi’s deeply entrenched racial segregation.

The building also served as a gathering point for local residents and activists who faced constant threats of violence and intimidation. It became a symbol of resistance, with those who worked there often under constant surveillance and in fear for their lives. Despite the constant danger, COFO’s work was instrumental in securing key civil rights victories, including the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Preservation and Restoration

After the civil rights era, the COFO Building fell into disuse and was largely forgotten by the public. However, its historical significance was not lost on Jackson State University. In 2011, JSU restored the building and reopened it as the COFO Civil Rights Education Center, ensuring that the building’s important legacy would continue to educate future generations about Mississippi’s vital role in the Civil Rights Movement.

Today, the COFO Center stands as both a museum and an educational resource, preserving the history of the Freedom Movement and the courageous individuals who fought for racial justice. The building houses exhibits, photographs, and documents from the era, showcasing the activism and struggles that took place within its walls. The center serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who stood up for freedom and equality in one of the most racially segregated states in the country.

Educational and Community Engagement

The COFO Civil Rights Education Center is more than just a museum; it is an active space for community engagement and learning. The center hosts educational programs, lectures, and events that explore the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality. Visitors can attend discussions on the Civil Rights Movement and contemporary social justice issues, creating a space where the lessons of the past are directly connected to current challenges.

In addition to its educational programs, the COFO Center serves as a site for community dialogue on issues like voter suppression, racial inequality, and economic justice. It also offers opportunities for students and activists to come together, reflect on the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement, and engage in discussions about the future of social justice activism. The center serves as a place for individuals to learn about the historic struggles for freedom while continuing to advocate for change in today’s society.

Legacy and Ongoing Impact

The COFO Building stands as a symbol of the enduring fight for civil rights in the United States. It is a reminder of the sacrifices made by the thousands of individuals who fought to end segregation and advance Black political power. As a museum, it ensures that the lessons of the past are preserved and passed on to future generations. As a center for community education, it continues to inspire and educate young activists about the importance of grassroots organizing, coalition-building, and the necessity of standing up for justice.

By preserving the COFO Building and its legacy, Jackson State University ensures that the sacrifices of those who fought for civil rights in Mississippi are never forgotten. Visitors to the COFO Civil Rights Education Center are encouraged to reflect on the courage of the Mississippi Freedom Movement and consider how they can carry that legacy forward in their own efforts for social justice and equality.

Conclusion

The COFO Building and the COFO Civil Rights Education Center hold a special place in the history of Mississippi and the Civil Rights Movement. Its role as the headquarters for one of the most significant organizations of the era cannot be overstated. It was the site of strategy sessions, marches, protests, and organizing efforts that changed the course of history. Today, the building serves as a living museum, educating visitors about the struggles, triumphs, and ongoing fight for racial justice and equality in America. Through the COFO Center, Jackson State University ensures that this crucial chapter of history will be remembered, and its lessons will continue to inspire generations to come.