Kosciusko Honors James Meredith with New Historical Marker
Kosciusko, Mississippi — A significant piece of history was celebrated in Kosciusko on Friday as a new historical marker was unveiled to honor James Meredith, the first Black man to integrate the University of Mississippi in 1962. Meredith, now 91 years old, attended the ceremony donning a red Ole Miss baseball cap and sat in the front seat of a pickup truck, surrounded by family and supporters.
Who Was Honored?
James Meredith is best known for his courageous act of enrolling at the University of Mississippi, an event that was met with violent protests from a white mob. Despite the turmoil, he completed his schooling and made a profound impact on the civil rights movement. Meredith, who prefers not to be labeled as a civil rights leader, has lived much of his life in Jackson, Mississippi, after growing up on a farm near Kosciusko.
Details of the Ceremony
The ceremony attracted around 85 attendees, many of whom were family members. As they gathered in the cold, Meredith shared his gratitude, calling it “the most important day of my life.” He pointed out that many of the attendees were relatives, which made the occasion even more special. His wife, Judy Alsobrooks Meredith, also stood proudly by his side.
Historical Context
Meredith’s journey began after graduating high school in 1951 and serving nine years in the U.S. Air Force. He studied at Jackson State College before taking the bold step of suing for admission to the University of Mississippi. That decision sparked chaos as a violent mob confronted him during his registration. Remarkably, U.S. marshals were deployed to provide protection on campus during his time there. Since his enrollment, the demographics of the university have changed, with approximately 10% of the student body now being Black.
Marker Location and Significance
The historical marker was installed not far from the small brick home in Kosciusko where Meredith’s family lived during his time at Ole Miss. It is also a location where U.S. marshals would typically park while escorting him during visits to his family in 1962 and 1963. Created in collaboration with Florida State University and the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, the marker commemorates not only his integration efforts but also the incident where he was shot during the 1966 “March Against Fear,” which aimed to promote Black voter registration.
Family Reflections
Meredith’s oldest son, John Meredith, who serves as the city council president in Huntsville, Alabama, expressed disappointment at not being able to attend other recently unveiled markers honoring his father. He conveyed feelings of nostalgia and pride, recalling memories of visiting his grandmother in the same brick home in Kosciusko. “It’s a great day for the Meredith family,” John mentioned, celebrating the honor bestowed upon his father in their hometown.
The unveiling of this historical marker not only pays tribute to James Meredith’s courage but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles for equality and justice in America. It stands as a testament to the challenges faced and overcome in the pursuit of civil rights.
