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James Meredith

James Meredith's attempt to integrate the University of Mississippi in 1962 led to violent riots, resulting in two civilian deaths and numerous injuries, despite federal intervention. The event highlighted the intense resistance to desegregation in the South, particularly from figures like Governor Ross Barnett. Meanwhile, Project C in Birmingham, Alabama, showcased the brutal response to peaceful protests, prompting national attention and a response from President Kennedy due to the negative portrayal of the U.S. on the global stage.

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27 views2 pages

James Meredith

James Meredith's attempt to integrate the University of Mississippi in 1962 led to violent riots, resulting in two civilian deaths and numerous injuries, despite federal intervention. The event highlighted the intense resistance to desegregation in the South, particularly from figures like Governor Ross Barnett. Meanwhile, Project C in Birmingham, Alabama, showcased the brutal response to peaceful protests, prompting national attention and a response from President Kennedy due to the negative portrayal of the U.S. on the global stage.

Uploaded by

ethan.thomasispro
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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James Meredith:

Many southern states’ universities had integrated between 1956 and 1962
with little fuss

In 1962 James Meredith applied to the university of Mississippi (‘Ole Miss’)


having been rejected the year before

The NAACP successfully argued to the supreme court that he be let in

Ross Barnett the governor of Mississippi and various University officials


physically stopped him #

Several were members of the WCC

30th september riot

Meredith returned to ‘Ole miss’ accompanied by about 500 officials


enforcing he federal decision

There was a mob of about 3,000 mostly armed people

Kennedy called for calm

Police let the men onto campus

Fires started

Bricks, stones and firebombs thrown

Guns were fired

Federal troops only had tear gas

2 civilians died

245-375 civilians injured

Over 160 federal marshals seriously injured

Following this federal troops escorted Meredith into the university on


October 1st and guarded him until graduation.

Reactions to the case:

Ross Barnett governor of Mississippi broadcast on TV and radio which


most likely incited the riot

Ross Barnett would make it so that everyone doesn’t get an education,


and teachers go without pay instead of black people going to school with
everyone else

He also presented his speech as if Mississippi wasn’t part of the us

Federal forces came in to stop riots


Project C:

In 1961 SNCC and the NAACP staged marches and boycotts in Albany
Georgia

There were arrests but no public violence

In December MLK got involved but there was no violence

Bothe protests drew little coverage from the media-no change

On April 2nd, 1962, the SNCC, SCLC and ACMHR began campaign C.

They chose Birmingham Alabama:

The city was very segregated

White terrorism had earned it the name “Bombingham”

The police chief Bull Connor was a violent racist who would easily be
provoked to attack peaceful protesters

Between May 2nd and May 3rd there were sit-ins, boycotts and protest
marches.

Around 1000 people were arrested by Bull Connor

Connor’s response as commissioner was brutal

He allowed the use of police dogs

And fire hoses that could knock people down and later break bones to hit
peaceful protesters

Even some bystanders were mauled by dogs

When people were imprisoned, there were tortured

Many young people and children were also beaten, mauled, arrested and
tortured.

Kennedy had to respond as it painted the us as not free and that made
Russia look good (very bad)

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