JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Celebrations for the 100th birthday of Medgar Evers are underway in the capital city.

Dozens of people gathered at the Jackson Convention Complex on Thursday to honor Evers. Born on July 2, 1925, the civil rights activist fought for justice on behalf of African Americans against Jim Crow laws and segregation. Evers was assassinated outside of his Jackson home in 1963.

During the Medgar Evers at 100 kickoff celebration, several leaders were honored with awards, including Kerry Kennedy, the daughter of former U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy. He was assassinated in 1968.

“This whole weekend is about looking at lessons from the past to inspire current action. So that we can stop the gun violence that has killed 1.7 million Americans since Dr. King, since my father, and Medgar were gunned down. So that we can create a justice system in this country,” Kerry Kennedy said.

She was among the three panelists who spoke on topics like social justice and advocacy, along with Evers’ daughter, Reena Evers-Everette, and Bettie Dahmer, the daughter of Vernon Dahmer.

Celebrations in honor of Evers will continue throughout the weekend.