Jackson State University officials and alumni unveiled a historical marker Friday on the site of the former Natchez Charity Hospital. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

JSU President William Bynum Jr. speaks during the event.(Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

Natchez Mayor Darryl Grennell and Ward 1 Alderwoman Joyce Arceneaux-Mathis presented proclamations during the event. September 20 was proclaimed as Jackson State University Day in Natchez. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

Civil Rights leader James Meredith attended the event and was the speaker at a luncheon in honor of the event. Meredith attended JSU for two years before applying to the University of Mississippi in 1961. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

(Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

Dr. John A. Peoples, 6th president of Jackson State University. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

Sen. Hillman Frazier. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

(Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

(Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

(Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

(Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

(Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)