50 Years of Integration at Ole Miss
With his admission to the University of Mississippi in 1962, James Meredith became one of the most heroic figures in the American Civil Rights Movement, succeeding against every legal, political and bureaucratic obstacle that blocked his path to becoming the university's first African American student. His persistence opened the door for thousands of African Americans who followed and set an example for every student, of every background, about what even one individual can accomplish.
In October of 2012, the university commemorated the 50th anniversary of this significant moment in our nation's history, an event that had a profound impact on the vision and character of this institution. We see the next 50 years as a time to achieve more – to establish the highest levels of academic excellence, to prepare great leaders for every profession, to increase service projects across Mississippi and around the world, and to open the doors of higher education to every student willing to do the work required by a leading university, whatever their race, nationality, background or economic circumstance.
Also in eGrove:
- James Meredith Collection, Archives and Special Collections
- Integration of the University of Mississippi, Archives and Special Collections
- Timeline of African American Experience at UM
See also:
- Civil Rights and Race Relations Subject Guide, UM Libraries
- Dear Mr. Meredith, a digital humanities project (2023) mapping the letters received by James Meredith while enrolled at the University of Mississippi.