Meredith at Ole Miss. James Meredith was the first African-American to graduate from Ole Miss. But his journey was not easy. He applied several times, but he was rejected. He decided to sue Ole Miss. His case was brought to court, where much debate occurred. After 18 months of debate, President John F. Kennedy ordered that Meredith would have full permission to attend classes at Ole Miss. When Meredith arrived on campus, many students surrounded him, and started yelling and taunting him. The result was a two day riot, 212 arrests, 2 deaths, and 175 injuries. The day after the riot ended, Meredith was accompanied by federal troops to ensure his safety. After two years, Meredith graduated from Ole Miss in 1962.
Aubrey’s Attempt. When James Meredith was leading the March Against Fear, Aubrey James Norvell was standing at the side of the road with a gun. Waiting for Meredith to appear, he quietly and stealthy watched by the bushes. As soon as Meredith came into site, BOOM. Three gunshots were fired. Meredith shoved a person to the ground as two bullets lodged their way into the back of his head and his back. Meredith was 32. Norvell was arrested almost immediately after the gun was fired. Meredith recovered after the shooting and joined in the march 20 days later on June 26, 1966.
Where is he now? James Meredith is still alive to this day. He is 81 years old and he lives in Kosciusko, Mississippi. He has written three books, Three Years in Mississippi, Understanding the Literature of World War 1: A Student Casebook, and Will Wadsworth's Train To Nowhere. Even 50 years after the March, he is still involved with racial equality. Meredith is proud of everything that he accomplished and doesn't regret any of his decisions. |