Political and community leaders joined company officials at the Nissan Canton plant to take part in a program celebrating its half a million dollar donation to the Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. Senator John Horhn, a staunch advocate of the projects says Nissan has helped them surpass the 12 million dollars needed in private donations. He says the state will fund 87 million.
"In fact, we are the only state as relates to a civil rights museum that is building and putting state dollars into that museum. The only state in America, and for Mississippi to be the first to do that I think is quite significant." said Horhn.
Former Governors William Winter and Ronnie Musgrove discussed the significance of Nissan's support. Governor Musgrove said the museums will enhance the quality of life in the state through art and culture. Governor Winter called the facilities school houses that will educate people about Mississippi culture, its racial struggles and promote healing.
"It also shows what we can do across those old divides that have kept us apart in the past. The divides of race and class and ethnicity and religion, how we can come together as one people to showcase the great heritage that we are all the beneficiaries of." said Winter.
Horhn wants to raise another four million for endowments. The museums are scheduled to open museums open in December 2017, in time for the state's bi-centennial.
