JFK+50: Volume 5, No. 2084
JAMES MEREDITH ESCORTED BY FEDERAL MARSHALS TO OLE MISS
Oxford, Mississippi (JFK+50) Fifty-four years ago today, September 30, 1962, James Meredith*, who was to become the first African-American to attend the University of Mississippi, was escorted by federal marshals to the campus here in Oxford.
Mr. Meredith was enrolled for classes on October 1, 1962, but his presence at the previously all-white university sparked rioting that resulted in two deaths.
James Meredith's primary goal in enrolling at the all-white institution of higher learning was to get the federal authorities to enforce his rights as an American citizen. He saw his successful enrollment at Ole Miss as an attack on white supremacy.
*James Howard Meredith was born in Kosciusko, Mississippi in 1933. He served in the USAF from 1951-1960. JHM graduated from the University of Mississippi with a degree in Political Science in 1963. JHM earned his law degree from Columbia University in 1968.
Sculpture of James Meredith
JAMES MEREDITH ESCORTED BY FEDERAL MARSHALS TO OLE MISS
Oxford, Mississippi (JFK+50) Fifty-four years ago today, September 30, 1962, James Meredith*, who was to become the first African-American to attend the University of Mississippi, was escorted by federal marshals to the campus here in Oxford.
Mr. Meredith was enrolled for classes on October 1, 1962, but his presence at the previously all-white university sparked rioting that resulted in two deaths.
James Meredith's primary goal in enrolling at the all-white institution of higher learning was to get the federal authorities to enforce his rights as an American citizen. He saw his successful enrollment at Ole Miss as an attack on white supremacy.
*James Howard Meredith was born in Kosciusko, Mississippi in 1933. He served in the USAF from 1951-1960. JHM graduated from the University of Mississippi with a degree in Political Science in 1963. JHM earned his law degree from Columbia University in 1968.
Sculpture of James Meredith
University of Mississippi
Photo by Allspamme (2011)
