One of Jackson's most notable civil rights activists, Shirlene Mercer, had a bronze bust of her unveiled in her honor in front of City Hall.

On what would have been Mercer's 83rd birthday, a large crowd of community members gathered in downtown Jackson to witness the sculpture that had been several years in the making.

Below the bust and engraved on the large stone block it sits upon, reads the words "civil rights activist, teacher, and humanitarian."

Before passing in August 2023 , Mercer was the last living member of the Lane College "Freshman Four." More: 'She's going to live forever:' East Jackson mural honors historic community figures More: Black history celebrated at city hall, remembering key events

Teary-eyed but smiling, Tina Mercer says the statue's likeness to her mot

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