By By Fredie Carmichael / staff writer
April 26, 2002
The local branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People will honor Meridian's first black police chief tonight to kick off "Freedom Weekend."
The group will honor Benny DuBose with a reception at the Lauderdale County Boys and Girls Club at 7 p.m. DuBose was named Meridian's police chief earlier this year.
DuBose's reception will begin the NAACP's annual "Freedom Weekend," honoring James Chaney. Chaney, a Meridian native, was one of three civil rights workers killed by members of the Ku Klux Klan in June 1964.
DuBose said he's excited about being recognized during Chaney's celebration.
The celebration of "Freedom Weekend" will continue through Saturday. In the morning, the group will meet on the corner of Ninth Street and 49th Avenue at 10 a.m. They will travel on the newly designated "James E. Chaney Drive" on 49th Avenue to Chaney's grave site just south of Meridian.
The city adopted a resolution designating the stretch of 49th Avenue in Chaney's name in a regular meeting earlier this month.
After visiting Chaney's grave site, the weekend celebration will end with a 7 p.m. banquet Saturday at the Council of Organizations building. Ben Chaney, James' brother, will be the guest speaker.
Tickets for the Saturday night banquet are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.