Today in 1962: James Meredith becomes the first black American to attend classes at the University of Mississippi in Oxford.
In the nearly two years Meredith spent trying to register for classes at the then all-white “Ole Miss,” he had to file a federal lawsuit and, ultimately, be escorted through registration by U.S. Justice department attorney John Doar, protected by U.S. Army troops.
President John F. Kennedy and Attorney General Robert Kennedy sent the troops and federalized the state’s National Guard to enforce the federal court’s order which Governor Ross Barnett refused to accept. Meredith went on to graduate in 1964.
It’s today’s Action Calendar!
The Radicals and Progressives “Meet and Eat” is tonight at 5pm at the Orient House Restaurant, 626 South Park Street. More info at 249-0879.
Tonight is a screening of the documentary “The War at Home,” about Madison during the Vietnam War. This is tonight at 7pm in the Fountain Back Bar, 122 State Street. This is free and sponsored by IWW Social Action & Solidarity. More info at 815-685-8567.
The School for Workers is holding Steward Training classes Thursday nights in October. All the nuts ‘n bolts vital to effective leadership will be taught: duties and legal responsibilities; union structures; how to promote union consciousness and values in the workplace. Receive a certificate to show your accomplishment. Classes will be held at Anderson United Way Center, 2059 Atwood Avenue. There is a cost for this training. Register online at schoolforworkers.uwex.edu or call 608-262-2112