GADSDEN, Alabama --- Gadsden City Councilman Robert Avery hopes a local drive can honor the memory of slain civil rights activist William L. Moore, who was murdered 50 years ago today.

Avery announced during this morning's Gadsden City Council meeting that he is involved in a drive to erect a historical marker along U.S. 11 at the spot where Moore was shot and killed in 1963.

Moore, a postal worker and member of the Congress of Racial Equality, was on a protest walk to hand deliver a letter to Mississippi Gov. Ross Barnett, calling for an end to segregation.

On April 23, 1963, Moore was shot twice in the head along U.S. 11 outside Reece City shortly after conducting an interview for local radio station WGAD. He had completed 70 miles of his march, which began in Chattanooga. Though authorities traced the bullets to a local store owner, no charges were ever filed in the case.

Avery said the murder was "earth shattering." After Moore's death, a group called the Freedom Walkers attempted to complete Moore's protest, beginning at the place where he was shot. They were arrested at the scene.

"Civil rights people were being killed in other locations, but not that close to home," he said. "For awhile, it really sparked Gadsden into the national spotlight."

Avery said the cost of the historical marker would be about $1,700.

"We're still trying to organize an account at one of the local financial institutions," he said. "Right now, we're just trying to get up support."

Those interested in the project can contact Avery at Gadsden City Hall, (256) 549-4500.