Saturday will be a day of remembrance in Mississippi because, in Jackson, Mississippi, two museums are to be opened. Under the same roof will be a museum dedicated to Mississippi’s history and the other will be a museum about the Civil Rights struggle. The ceremony was to be attended by civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis and Rep. Bennie G. Thompson. However, after President Trump accepted an invitation by Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant to attend, Reps. Lewis and Thompson announced they would not attend.

The two congressmen issued a joint statement, on which CNN reported, “President Trump’s attendance and his hurtful policies are an insult to the people portrayed in this civil rights museum,” the two congressmen said in a statement. “The struggles represented in this museum exemplify the truth of what really happened in Mississippi. President Trump’s disparaging comments about women, the disabled, immigrants and National Football League players disrespect the efforts of Fannie Lou Hamer, Aaron Henry, Medgar Evers, Robert Clark, James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, Michael Schwerner and countless others who have given their all for Mississippi to be a better place.” They added, “After President Trump departs, we encourage all Mississippians and Americans to visit this historic civil rights museum.” Given the historical nature of this event, a question comes to mind. Should Reps. Lewis and Thompson attend the opening ceremonies of the new Mississippi museums?

CNN covering Congressman John Lewis not attending the opening of the civil rights museum:

The Issue

Should Reps. Lewis and Thompson attend the museum opening ceremonies Saturday? Do they have every right not to attend, if that is what they wish? Or, by not attending, are they failing in their role of leaders on civil rights?

Page 2: Arguments for the congressmen not attending

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