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James Meredith's groundbreaking attempt to enroll at the University of Mississippi, also known as 'Ole Miss,' was a crucial moment in the civil rights movement. His efforts to promote desegregation in a state that vehemently opposed it marked a turning point. The integration of Ole Miss not only altered the political dynamics of Mississippi but also sparked a cultural shift in the region. Furthermore, it revitalized civil rights activists both locally and in neighboring states.
The clash between James Meredith and the University of Mississippi offers valuable insights into the African-American experience in 20th century U.S.
society, shedding light on the social and political forces that shaped and supported the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. Violence erupted on September 30, 1962, at the Oxford campus of Ole Miss as local residents, prospective students, and staunch segregationists protested against James Meredith's admission - an African-American Air Force veteran seeking to desegregate the formerly all-white institution.
Despite the presence of over 120 federal marshals to protect Meredith, "the crowd became uncontrollable after nightfall, and authorities struggled to maintain order." The following day, two people died and many others were injured.
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This event marked the start of Meredith's journey that started when he challenged the school's discrimination against him based on his race two years earlier.
In June 1962, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit ordered the University of Mississippi to admit Meredith that fall, sparking a conflict between the federal government and Mississippi's resistance to integration. Despite encountering opposition, Meredith started classes on September 30 under federal protection and ultimately became Ole Miss' first African-American graduate in August 1963.
During the Civil Rights Movement, a number of important events took place.
The Montgomery Bus Boycott, which began in 1955 and was led by Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr., lasted for 381 days. In 1961, the Freedom Riders challenged segregation in the South through bus rides despite facing resistance from segregationists. Another significant event during this time was the "Letter from the Birmingham Jail."
Dr. King penned this letter to address Caucasian ministers who urged him to cease causing disruptions, showcasing his dedication to nonviolent resistance against injustices in American society. The tragic assassination of Medgar Evers, the leader of the Mississippi NAACP, occurred on the same evening as President Kennedy's speech on race relations. These momentous occurrences are interconnected with the integration of Ole Miss as they all advocated for integration through peaceful means.
The civil rights movement saw a surge in support during World War II, as evidenced by the NAACP's membership skyrocketing from 50,000 to 500,000. This momentum continued into 1954 with the landmark Supreme Court case of Brown v. Board of Education, which ruled against school segregation. By 1956, states such as Kentucky, Oklahoma, Missouri, Maryland, and Delaware started integrating their schools. Despite these advancements, integration encountered obstacles in Southern states where white supremacy was deeply rooted in societal beliefs and norms.
White supremacists referred to resistance against integration as the Second Reconstruction, giving them more power over African-Americans. Mississippi responded by enforcing school "balance" and creating the State Sovereignty Commission to maintain segregation. Discriminatory beliefs in 20th century politics led many African-Americans to question the government's dedication to their fight for equality and justice.
During the Civil Rights Movement, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy supported African-Americans by emphasizing the importance of obeying all laws, even those that are disagreed with. He criticized Governor Barnett's actions as going against Union principles. Despite having the National Guard with him, James Meredith faced challenges on campus.
Both Robert and John Kennedy delivered significant speeches to promote equality and security for the African-American community, while Governor Barnett, a white supremacist, adamantly fought to uphold segregation in Mississippi. In a televised and radio broadcast on September 13, 1962, Barnett boldly asserted his commitment to white domination, declaring that he would not allow school integration under his governorship.
Governor Barnett is committed to preventing integration in Mississippi schools and calls on all public officials and citizens to support him in this effort. Despite ensuring schools remain open, he will stop at nothing to resist integration. It is alarming that a union leader would work against the values of the organization to which they belong. Governor Barnett's willingness to defy constitutional principles in favor of segregation is deeply troubling.
Despite the University of Mississippi's celebration of the Integration of Ole Miss, it is important to remember the long history of segregation that came before it. The signs reading "Opening the Closed Society" and "50 Years of Courage" fail to acknowledge the over 100 years of enforced segregation preceding integration. Just as celebrating emancipation without addressing sin, understanding the true nature of the "closed society" requires dismantling the social and political forces that supported the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s.
James Meredith's Integration of Ole Miss: A Turning Point in Civil Rights. (2016, Dec 11). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/the-integration-of-ole-miss-essay
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