Ole Miss Honors 60th Anniversary of ‘Freedom Summer’

Ole Miss University commemorates the historic Mississippi Freedom Summer

In honor of the 60th anniversary of the “Mississippi Freedom Summer,” the University of Mississippi is hosting a week-long commemoration, featuring guest speakers, documentaries and a trip to Philadelphia, Mississippi, the location where Freedom Summer predominantly took place.

The Division of Diversity and Community Engagement at Ole Miss is orchestrating the week-long voting summit from March 19-23. The main aim of these events is to engage and educate students and the North Mississippi community about the historical context and significance of Mississippi Freedom Summer that unfolded in the summer of 1964.

Engaging and Educating through Activities

While the University has lined up several events to mark the occasion, the highlight of the week will be documentaries and guest speaker sessions, along with a trivia night to make these historical lessons more intriguing and impactful. This homage to the Freedom Summer concludes with a meaningful field trip to Philadelphia, Mississippi.

Speaking about the occasion, William Teer, assistant director of student leadership programs stated, “This year’s Voting Summit seeks to educate, inspire, and inform the LOU community on the 60th anniversary of Mississippi Freedom Summer and lessons learned today. We welcome all community members to join us in commemorating the legacy of Freedom Summer.”

The Mission behind the Celebration

The organizing body, the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement, aims at “transforming people, institutions, and communities through partnership, access, and engagement that fosters belonging, enriches learning and development, enhances research, and creates equitable opportunities for all.”

The Mississippi Freedom Summer was a significant turning point in American civil rights history, where over 700 civil rights workers risked their lives, endured beatings, and were subjected to continuous harassment to venture into Mississippi. Their mission: to break the stronghold of segregation by advocating education and registering African Americans to vote. This effort played a crucial role in passing the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

For more information about the summit and to be part of this iconic commemoration, interested individuals can visit the official university website or contact William Teer, assistant director of student leadership programs at the University of Mississippi.