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Jazz 91.9 WCLK | Membership Matters

Clark Atlanta University Community Mourns Evelyn Lowery

The Clark Atlanta University Community today mourns the death of Mrs. Evelyn G. Lowery (CC, '46), who died early this morning, Sept. 26.  surrounded by family in her home.  Mrs. Lowery suffered a stroke Sept. 18; however, doctors released her from the hospital Wednesday to be with family.

While an untiring support to  iconic civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery, her husband of 67 years, Mrs. Lowery was a stalwart champion  for human, civil and women's concerns in her own right.  In 1979, she formed SCLC/Women's Organizational Movement for Equality Now, an offshoot of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.  In 1980, she founded the Drum Major for Justice Awards Dinner.  In 1995, she created the Bridging the Gap - Girls to Women Mentoring Program. Later that year, she relocated the SCLC/Women's Organizational Movement to the Tabor Building on Auburn Ave. in Atlanta.  In 2004, Lowery was honored at the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.  A relentless crusader, Mrs. Lowery Sept. 15, accompanied her husband to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 16th Street Baptist Church Bombing in Birmingham, Ala.

"Today we pause to honor the life and inimitable spirit of Mrs. Evelyn G. Lowery," Clark Atlanta University President Carlton E. Brown said.  "Her example of moral fortitude will continue to buoy us in our efforts to prepare young leaders for service.  To this cause she dedicated her life, marked by unquestionable compassion, faith and excellence."

Clark Atlanta University is home to the Joseph E. Lowery Institute for Justice and Human Rights.