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- The Mississippi State Sovereignty Commission (also called the Sov-Com) was a state agency in Mississippi from 1956 to 1977 tasked with fighting desegregation and controlling civil rights activism. It was overseen by the Governor of Mississippi. The stated objective of the commission was to "[...] protect the sovereignty of the state of Mississippi, and her sister states" from "encroachment thereon by the Federal Government". It coordinated activities to portray the state and racial segregation in a more positive light. Serving governors and lieutenant governors of Mississippi were ex officio members of the commission. The Sovereignty Commission spied on and conspired against civil rights activists and organized pressure and economic oppression of those who supported the civil rights movement in Mississippi. The agency was given unusual authority to investigate citizens of the state, issue subpoenas and even exercise police powers, although it was not attached to any law enforcement agency. During its existence, the commission profiled more than 87,000 persons associated with, or suspected to be associated with, the civil rights movement (which it opposed). It investigated the work and credit histories and even personal relations of persons it investigated. It collaborated with local white officials of government, police, and business to pressure African Americans to give up activism, especially by economic pressures, such as causing them to be fired, evicted from rental housing, or to have their businesses boycotted. (en)
- La Mississippi State Sovereignty Commission (en français : Commission pour la souveraineté de l'État du Mississippi) est une agence de l'État dirigée par le gouverneur du Mississippi entre 1956 et 1977 afin de lutter contre le mouvement des droits civiques et pour maintenir la ségrégation. Elle est initialement créée pour coordonner les activités de relations publiques de l'État et présenter les lois sur la ségrégation raciale qui y sont en vigueur sous un jour plus favorable. (fr)
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