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1960's and the Civil Rights Movement


This was a brave act indeed and literally started an entire movement that has changed the course of history for the greater good. .
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             James Meredith was a pioneer to the civil rights movement. On October 1st, 1962 he became the first black student to enroll into the University of Mississippi. Prior to his admittance into the university he was rejected multiple times. On May 31st, 1961 The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund filed suit in the U.S. District Court, alleging that the sole reason that James Meredith had been denied acceptance into this university was due to the color of his skin. This case eventually made its way to the Supreme Court which ruled in Meredith's favor stating that he had the right to be admitted to the state school. .
             His enrollment caused a serious uproar among many. The governor of Mississippi strongly opposed him attending this school and even went as far as to have the state legislature pass a law prohibiting any person who was convicted of a state crime from admission to a state school. This affected Meredith because he was convicted of false voter registration. .
             Robert Kennedy who was then the US Attorney General help meetings with the governor of Mississippi and finally persuaded him to allow Meredith to enroll into the university. This of course sparked riots and violence followed as many protested his presence at the university. The situation got so out of hand that President Kennedy ordered federal troops to restore the peace. Despite the military presence, the violence continued which resulted in 2 deaths. Despite harassment during his two semesters on campus, Meredith graduated in August of 1963 and eventually went on to earn a law degree and have a very successful life. So successful that his son even went on to graduate from the University of Mississippi as the most outstanding doctoral student in the School of Business Administration. .
             In my opinion James Meredith opened the doors of higher education for African American students in more than just the literal sense.


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