Freedom's Martyr: Medgar Evers: Medgar Evers, one of the first martyrs of the Freedom Movement, was born near Decatur, Mississippi, on July 25, 1925, to James and Jessie Evers. Medgar left high school in the 10th grade to join the army and fight in World War II. After serving as a sergeant in Europe, Evers enrolled in Alcorn Agricultural and Mechanical School.