Heros in the Civil Rights - William Fremd High School

I nformation on James Meredith
Student Handout •
James Meredith's individual acts of
courage brought him great admiration
during the civil rights movement.
Meredith was born in 1933 and grew up
in the impoverished and segregated
(racially separate) town of Kosciusko,
Mississippi. There he experienced many
'forms of segregation and inequality, from
the local restaurant where food was served
over different counters for whites and
blacks, to segregated schools. Meredith
was angered by segregation and
determined to take action to try to change
it. However, rather than seeking a leadership position in an organized civil rights group, he
took individual action to combat discrimination.
• Where did James Meredith grow up?
• What acts of discrimination did he face?
In 1961, Meredith decided to become the first black to enroll at the University of
Mississippi. He attempted to register in the fall, but was met by hostile white mobs of more
than 2,000 people. It was only after 18 months of legal delays and riots that Meredith, with
the protection of federal troops, won his suit and began his college career. During the 1950s,
Meredith developed a successful career as a U.S. Air Force officer. During the 1960s, he
earned a law degree from Columbia University, and he ran for Congress in 1972. However,
Meredith chose active participation in the black freedom struggle over a life of comfort and
security. Over and over again, he risked his life to achieve justice and equality for African
Americans.
• What did Meredith do in 1961?
• What happened when he tried to register for classes at the University
of Mississippi?
• How long did it take before he was able to attend the university? Why
did it take this long?
One incident in particular demonstrates James Meredith's incredible strength and courage.
On June 5, 1966, Meredith set off alone to march 200 miles from Memphis, Tennessee, to
r-- Jackson, Mississippi. He was determined to cross most of the state of Mississippi to prove
that white southern dominance was passing and that blacks could now vote and walk in
public without fear of racial violence. Others involved in the civil rights movement opposed
© Teachers' Curriculum Institute USH-12-5, Activity 2.3, Page 21