Special to The Mississippi Monitor
(Photo credit Steve Schapiro)
The 4th Street Drug Store on Martin Luther King Boulevard occupies a central place in the Civil Rights history of Clarksdale and the Mississippi Delta. Located at 213 Martin Luther King Boulevard, the pharmacy was owned and operated by Dr. Aaron Henry, a respected pharmacist whose commitment to justice made him one of Mississippi’s most influential civil rights leaders.
Dr. Henry was deeply involved in the NAACP and served in leadership roles that placed him at the forefront of the fight against segregation and voter suppression. At a time when African Americans in Mississippi were systematically denied the right to vote through intimidation, discriminatory laws, and economic retaliation, Dr. Henry used his standing in the community to organize voter registration efforts. The drug store became a trusted space where people could gather, exchange information, and prepare to challenge an unjust system.
Beyond voter registration, the 4th Street Drug Store was closely linked to economic activism in the early 1960s. Dr. Henry helped lead boycotts of downtown merchants who upheld segregation or refused to treat Black customers fairly. These boycotts were carefully organized and widely supported, sending a clear message that the Black community would no longer support businesses that profited from discrimination. The movement placed significant pressure on local merchants and became an effective tool for demanding change.
Dr. Henry’s activism came with severe consequences. He was arrested for his civil rights work, and those opposed to integration and equality targeted him with violence. Both his home and his pharmacy were firebombed, acts meant to intimidate and silence him. Instead, these attacks exposed the depth of resistance faced by civil rights leaders and underscored the courage required to continue the struggle in Mississippi during that era.
Despite these threats, Dr. Henry remained steadfast. His leadership extended beyond Clarksdale, influencing civil rights efforts across the state and helping lay the groundwork for broader reforms. The drug store stood as both a symbol of service and resistance, reflecting how everyday businesses became battlegrounds in the fight for civil rights.
Today, the site is marked with a Mississippi Freedom Trail marker honoring Dr. Aaron Henry and his lasting contributions. The marker ensures that visitors and residents alike understand the importance of this location and the sacrifices made there. The former 4th Street Drug Store stands as a testament to resilience, principled leadership, and the enduring impact of those who challenged injustice at great personal risk.