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James Meredith was born on June 25, 1933 and is known as a Civil Rights leader, writer, and political adviser. But more importantly for his role in the desegregation case of the University of Mississippi. Or known today as the University of Ole Miss. In Meredith's early life he grew up in Kosciusko, Mississippi. Where he attended Attala County Training School. He graduated from high school in 1951. Then, Meredith enlisted in the Air Force for nine years. After serving Meredith decided too continue his life by attending college. He choose to attend the University of Mississippi. Making him the first African American to be admitted at this university.

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After serving in the Navy Meredith decided to attend college. At first he was accepted to the University of Mississippi in 1962. But later on his admission was revoked when the registrar learned of his race. Later on a court order was placed to admit Meredith. But he found the entrance to the university blocked by Mississippi Governor Ross Barnett.

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President John F. Kennedy made multiple calls to Governor Barnett in a attempt to persuade him to cooperate with the Court's ruling. But Barnett stayed very resistant to comply with Kennedy's order.

https://www.history.com/speeches/john-f-kennedy-intervenes-in-james-meredith-case?m=55cce9921285b&s=undefined&f=undefined&free=false
(Two separate calls made by JFK to Governor Barnett)

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Listening In: JFK on Integration in University of Mississippi (September 30, 1962)

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Ross Barnett the governor of Mississippi was found guilty of civil contempt. He later on was ordered to stop his interference with James Meredith admittance at the University of Mississippi or face arrest. Due to it being unlawful to reject another citizens want for education. Eventually Meredith was able to start classes on October 1.

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The U.S. school system before this incident declared in the Brown v. Board of Education case that it's unconstitutional to separate blacks and whites at school. Although at the time there were many schools filled with only white people. Also certain colleges were known to turn away anyone who wasn't white. Such as the University of Mississippi who had a tradition of over hundred years only accepting whites. School systems allowed black and whites to coexist at the time. But their were many people who still disagreed with this. This issue was on a huge pedestal gaining recognition from Martin Luther King Jr., President JFK, and thousands of supporters. This case would have a huge impact on the desegregation of schools in the south.

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James Meredith at the time had a huge impact on segregated schools. He was the first African American to enter a highly segregated school and encouraged many others to do the same. He was able to change the lifestyle in the South. He showed many African Americans they can attend predominantly white schools in Mississippi. More importantly he allowed society to look past ones race to truly acknowledge their strengths and abilities.

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When James Meredith began classes he needed 24 hour protection for his entire time at the university. On September 30 Meredith was escorted onto the campus by U.S. Marshals. Until he was meet with large backlash of crowds protesting his admittance to the university. It was so bad he was forced to leave for the day. He returned the next day and began classes. Meredith went on too graduate  with a degree in political science. Making him the  first African American to graduate from the University of Mississippi.