President Trump's brief weekend visit to Mississippi didn't come without protest. As MPB's Mark Rigsby reports, the President was the featured guest for the opening of the new Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and Museum of Mississippi History.
President Trump paid tribute to the civil rights veterans in Mississippi.
"Here we memorialize the brave men and women who struggled to sacrifice, and sacrifice so much, so that others might live in freedom."
Meanwhile, a few blocks away from the two museums in Jackson, a group gathered to protest the President's attendance. Annie Reiher held a sign that said "Racisim is not patriotism".
"He has been, over the last year and during his campaign, publicly derogitory toward people of color. We just think his presence here is a distraction and it does not honor our civil rights heroes."
Some black leaders skipped the grand opening. They say the President has sown racial division instead of racial harmony. Jackson Mayor Chokwe Lumumba.
"Today, what we are doing is standing on principle. We're standing in accord to what the ideals of this civil rights movement mean. And, that is why we choose not to share a stage with Donald Trump."
But there were many Trump supporters at the event. Philemon Williams came from Madison.
"Oh, this is the best day. He came at the best time. The ones who didn't come, shame on them. Other politicians who said they weren't coming, shame on them. They need to be here. This is a historical event. If they like him or dislike him, he's our President. We need to respect the President."
President Trump stayed about 30 minutes at the museums. He gave a short speech inside for chosen guests, then departed. The President did not the dedication ceremony held outside for the public.
