James Meredith Case Flashcards
(6 cards)
🔍 Who was James Meredith?
A Black U.S. Air Force veteran and civil rights activist.
• In 1961, he applied to the University of Mississippi (“Ole Miss”), a segregated university.
• Backed by the NAACP, he took legal action when rejected because of his race.
Court battle:?
• After a lengthy legal struggle, the Supreme Court ruled in Meredith’s favour in 1962 — he had the right to attend.
• The university still refused to admit him, backed by Mississippi’s segregationist governor, Ross Barnett.
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Violence and confrontation?
• On 30 September 1962, Meredith tried to enter the campus.
• A white mob rioted, attacking federal marshals with bricks, bottles, and guns.
• 2 people were killed and over 160 injured.
Government action?
President John F. Kennedy sent in 500 U.S. marshals to protect Meredith.
• When violence escalated, he sent 5,000 federal troops to restore order.
• Meredith finally registered as the first Black student at Ole Miss on 1 October 1962.
Why is it important?
Major victory against segregation in education.
✅ Showed the federal government was willing to use force to uphold civil rights laws.
✅ Embarrassed Southern segregationists on a global scale.
✅ Proved that court rulings alone weren’t enough — government intervention was needed.
Quick stats?
• 5,000 troops sent by JFK.
• 2 deaths, 160+ injuries.
• Meredith graduated in 1963 with a degree in political science.
