Making Their Mark: Lauderdale & Clarke County

The historical marker for the counties of Lauderdale and Clarke, installed in front of the old courthouse on 500 21st Avenue in Meridian, honors two African American men elected to the legislature in the 19th century. Marker text:

After the Civil War, the Fourteenth Amendment and a new state constitution enabled the people of Mississippi to elect 162 Black men to state or national office over the next twenty years, more than any other state. J. Aaron Moore represented Lauderdale County from 1870-71, when racial violence in Meridian forced him to flee. Charles P. Clemens represented Clarke County from 1874-75. The overthrow of Reconstruction and passage of the 1890 state constitution ended multiracial democracy in the state for over 70 years.

Current status (Oct 1, 2026): Marker installed thanks to volunteers from Jubilee Mennonite Church. Dedication program date to be scheduled soon.

 

This page was last updated on October 8, 2026.