Toyota pledges $75,000 toward Medgar Wiley Evers statue on Alcorn State University campus
Bronze statue will serve as a testament to furthering equal rights education, citizenship, the arts, and Mississippi tourism
February 24, 2012 – Toyota today announced a contribution of $75,000 toward the effort to build a bronze statue of Medgar Wiley Evers on the campus of Alcorn State University.
The statue will serve as a testament to furthering equal rights education, citizenship, the arts, and tourism, and will be the newest highlight on the Mississippi Civil Rights Trail and the Mississippi Historical Marker Trail.
“Toyota is pleased to support this effort by Alcorn State University honoring the courage, dedication and leadership of an Alcorn State graduate Medgar Evers,” said Wil James, president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc.
The contribution builds on Toyota’s commitment to give back to the local communities in which it does business. In November 2011, Toyota began production of the Corolla at the Blue Springs, Mississippi, plant and recently began second shift operation.
“This donation reflects Toyota’s commitment to educational excellence and the preservation of American history, and we are grateful for their generous support,” said Dr. M. Christopher Brown II, President of Alcorn State University. “Medgar Wiley Evers legacy of leadership and courage inspires all people, especially students, in their pursuit of knowledge and their desire to effect positive civic change.”
In 1948, Medgar Evers enrolled at Alcorn A&M College, now Alcorn State University, majoring in business administration. Evers was captain of the football team and debate team, yearbook editor, ran track, sang in the school choir, and served as president of the junior class. The year 2013 will mark the 50th anniversary of Mr. Evers’s assassination. The statue will feature an account of Evers’ most notable achievements and contributions to civil rights and will be unveiled in early Spring 2013.
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) established operations in North America in 1957 and currently operates 14 manufacturing plants. There are more than 1,800 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealerships in North America which sold nearly 2 million vehicles in 2011. Toyota directly employs more than 35,000 in North America and its investment here is currently valued at more than $23 billion, including sales and manufacturing operations, research and development, financial services and design. Toyota’s annual purchasing of parts, materials, goods and services from North American suppliers totals nearly $25 billion. Toyota currently produces 12 vehicles in North America, including the Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Matrix, RAV4, Sienna, Sequoia, Tacoma, Tundra, Venza and the Lexus RX 350.
For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyota.com or www.toyotanewsroom.com .
About Alcorn State University
Alcorn State University was founded in 1871 as America’s Oldest Historically Black Land-grant University. Located in Lorman, Mississippi, Alcorn is a comprehensive land-grant institution that celebrates a rich heritage with a diverse student and faculty population. The University emphasizes intellectual development and lifelong learning through the integration of diverse pedagogies, applied and basic research, cultural and professional programs, public service and outreach, while providing access to globally competitive academic and research programs. Alcorn strives to prepare graduates to be well-rounded future leaders of high character and to be successful in the global marketplace of the 21st century.
For more information about Alcorn, visit www.alcorn.edu .
