Battle for Ole Miss

Battle for Ole Miss

Who?

• James Meredith was a black college student who made several attempts to enrol into Ole Miss, only to be rebuffed. Eventually he managed to enrol with the help of JFK, which eventually led to the “battle” in question. He was the first black person to ever be admitted into the university.

Who?

• Mississippi Governor Ross Barnett was a strong proponent of segregation and had a great deal of influence in his position. His stance towards integration especially in schooling can be seen in the quote,

• “I am your governor. I shall do everything in my power to prevent integration in our schools.”

Who?

• President John F. Kennedy was a great supporter of Meredith’s enrolment and issued a proclamation all persons engaged in the obstruction of the laws and the orders of the courts to "cease and desist therefrom and to disperse and retire peaceably forthwith"

Where

• University of Mississippi

When

• 1962

What

• Pre-happening

What

• Actual Event

What?

• Aftermath

How

Why