Ole Miss Collection

OLE MISS RIOT, 1962. The University of Mississippi campus in Oxford, Mississippi, after the riots caused by white segregationists protesting the enrollment of James Meredith, the first black student

OLE MISS RIOT, 1962. White students rioting over the enrollment of James Meredith, a black student, at the University of Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi

OLE MISS RIOT, 1962. Students waving Confederate flags at the University of Mississippi football game in Jackson, Mississippi

OLE MISS RIOT, 1962. A US Army truck on the University of Mississippi campus in Oxford, Mississippi, prior to the riot caused by segregationists protesting the enrollment of James Meredith

INTEGRATION: OLE MISS, 1962. Heavy military presence on the University of Mississippi campus in Oxford, Mississippi, brought in to protect James Meredith, the first black student

INTEGRATION: OLE MISS, 1962. A military jeep escorting the car carrying James Meredith, the first black student at the University of Mississippi campus in Oxford, Mississippi. Photograph, Marion S

INTEGRATION: OLE MISS, 1962. Military presence outside of Baxter Hall where James Meredith, the first black student, lived at the University of Mississippi, Oxford, Mississippi. Photograph, Marion S

INTEGRATION: OLE MISS, 1962. Soldiers and tents across from Baxter Hall where James Meredith, the first black student, lived at the University of Mississippi, Oxford, Mississippi

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"Remembering Ole Miss: The Turbulent Integration of 1962" In the annals of American history, few events have left as indelible a mark as the Ole Miss Riot of 1962. This pivotal moment unfolded on the hallowed grounds of the University of Mississippi campus in Oxford, Mississippi. It was a time when racial tensions reached their boiling point and forever altered the course of civil rights. The catalyst for this upheaval was James Meredith's enrollment at Ole Miss, which ignited a firestorm among white students who vehemently opposed integration. Confederate flags waved defiantly in protest against this historic milestone, symbolizing deep-rooted resistance to change. As news spread like wildfire across North America, heavy military presence descended upon Ole Miss to maintain order and protect Meredith from harm. US Army trucks rumbled through campus streets while soldiers stood guard outside Baxter Hall – a focal point where Meredith resided amidst heightened tension. A military jeep became an emblematic sight as it escorted James Meredith's car through hostile crowds, ensuring his safe passage amid threats and hostility. Soldiers encamped near Baxter Hall served as constant reminders that progress often comes at great cost. The integration struggle at Ole Miss not only exposed deep-seated racism but also showcased resilience and determination in the face of adversity. The images captured during those tumultuous days serve as poignant reminders that change is never easy or immediate; it requires sacrifice and unwavering commitment to justice. Today, we remember Ole Miss not just for its picturesque beauty but also for its pivotal role in shaping our nation's history. It stands as a testament to how far we've come since those dark days while serving as a reminder that there is still work to be done towards achieving true equality for all Americans.