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Ole Miss

Post Ole Miss

James graduated from Ole Miss in 1963 and went on to further his education in political science at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria. He then came back to the United States in 1965 to attend Columbia University on scholarship and graduate in 1968 with an L.L.B. (Law degree).

30 for 30: Ghosts of Ole Miss

Meredith applied twice and was rejected. On May 31, 1961 the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund got involved. They filed suit in the U.S. District Court. They said the university rejected him because of his skin. He had a highly successful record. They won and James was going to be the first black man to attend Ole Miss.

US Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy called in 500 U.S. Marshalls to take control of the rioting. John F. Kennedy sent U.S. Army police and U.S. Border Control as well as the Mississippi National Guard. Two people were killed, one third of the 500 U.S. Marshalls were injured, and 40 men from the National Guard were wounded.

What made him choose Ole Miss?

James was motivated by John F. Kennedy's inaugural address. He wanted to pressure the Kennedy administration to enforce civil rights for African Americans.

James Howard Meredith

The March Against Fear was a 220 mile march against racism from Memphis, Tennessee to Jackson, Mississippi. James was trying to show that it was okay to be a registered voter as an African American and to not fear the voting booth.

During his march he was shot by Aubrey James Norvell. After the shooting many other civil right activists came to the rescue and continued the march in Meredith's name. Meredith made it back in time to finish the march. Over 4,000 Black Mississippians registered to vote.

1962 Ole Miss Riots

March Against Fear

Discussion Questions

James Meredith was a 29 year old man who after high school joined the Air Force. After serving for nine years, he went to Jackson State University for two years.

  • 1) Why do you believe Meredith caused such a big uproar among people in the south?
  • 2) Do you think the Government handled the situation correctly?
  • 3) If you were Kennedy, would you have acted in the same manner he did?
  • 4) How did James open the door for future African-Americans to come?
  • 5) How do you feel our society has changed since this incident

In 1962, James Meredith attempted to become the first African American to attend Ole' Miss University. It resulted in huge riots, leaving several people dead andeven more injured.

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