Tragedy Claims the Life of Longtime Mississippi Activist

WJSU | By Cynthia Maxie Milton

Published January 3, 2023 at 5:17 PM CST

Mississippi has lost a long-time civil rights activist to tragedy. Eighty-eight-year-old Ineva May-Pittman died in a house fire that broke out in her Northwest Jackson home during the early morning hours Tuesday. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Pittman was a well-known political activist and former teacher. She was often a fixture at local government meetings and worked to keep politicians accountable to the needs of the people they served. She was honored by the city of Jackson multiple times. The former Poindexter Park is named in her honor and there is a city mural of her as well. She was also the recipient of a local lifetime achievement award. May-Pittman was active in a number of community and civic organizations including the NACCP and the Jackson State University Alumni Association

Cynthia Maxie Milton

Cynthia Milton has had a lifelong love for the arts, the art of communication and business. This multiple award winning journalist is a powerful voice in the state of Mississippi. Her rich warm voice has endeared her to thousands of listeners. She can be heard every morning serving as the local host of NPR's Morning Edition. She is also the host and producer of the Candid Conversations talk show, which won a first place award from the prestigious Mississippi Association of Broadcasters within its first six months of production. Ms. Milton has also been cited for awards by the Louisiana and Mississippi Associated Press organizations. In addition, Milton is an international Amazon best selling author having co-authored the anthology, Your Faith Will Make You Unstoppable with dynamic women leaders from across the globe. She is a founding member of the international business women's organization Women Collaborating Together, which works to support, encourage and mentor women across the globe. Ms. Milton doesn't just speak, she also is a professional singer. Milton has lent her vocal ability and acting skills to several independent film projects.

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