University of Mississippi announces James Meredith desegregation 60th anniversary events

Oct. 1 will mark 60 years since civil rights era icon James Meredith desegregated the University of Mississippi.

The anniversary will be marked by a number of events beginning in September and continuing through July of next year.

Meredith's push to desegregate one of the most prominent segregated universities in America was a key moment of the Civil Rights Era and culminated in him being escorted onto campus in the Fall of 1962 by armed soldiers.

The night before, a riot on campus resulted in two deaths and hundreds of injuries. It required 30,000 troops to quell the mob and enroll the first Black student at Ole Miss.

The university's official commemoration of those events has been dubbed "The Mission Continues: Building Upon the Legacy," with a bulk of activities planned for the week leading up to Oct. 1.

Shawnboda Mead, vice chancellor for diversity and community engagement at the university, has chaired the planning committee for the yearlong commemoration.

"The courageous actions by James Meredith in 1962 stand among the most profoundly meaningful events in our university's history, and it is truly an honor to work with the Merediths, the planning committee, and other campus stakeholders in commemorating the 60th anniversary," Mead said in a statement. "I'm particularly grateful for the energy and commitment of the numerous members of the planning committee who have worked so diligently to elevate this historic time for our campus and community. We want everyone to be a part of this significant time for our university."

Schedule of Events:

• Sept. 12-Oct. 13, 2022: Civil Rights in Oxford Town: The Integration of Education tours

• Sept. 26-30: Week of Service, a childhood literacy project centering on the four pillars of courage, opportunity, knowledge, and perseverance

• Sept. 27: "Meredith and the Media: The Legacy of a Riot," the Overby Center for Southern Journalism and Politics hosts a panel of journalists to discuss how media coverage of Meredith's enrollment and the ensuing riot has shaped perceptions of the university

• Sept. 28: "The Mission Continues: Building Upon the Legacy," signature event honoring Meredith and his contributions to the university

• Sept. 30: "Legacy Celebration," alumni celebration of African American firsts at UM

• Oct. 1: On-field recognition of Meredith during the Ole Miss vs. Kentucky football game

• Oct. 2: Longest Table, an opportunity to share a meal and connect with others at a table that spans the Circle

• Jan. 31, 2023: Open Doors, dinner, and conversations with university administrators

• Feb. 7, 2023: Black History Month keynote address featuring Dr. Judy Meredith

• Feb. 17, 2023: Black Student Union's 10th Annual Black History Month Gala

• Through March 2023: UM Libraries exhibit, "Paving the Path: James Meredith and the Integration of the University of Mississippi"

• April 11, 2023: Celebrating Diversity Excellence, an end-of-year celebration

• Through July 2023: UM Museum exhibit "The Fall of 1962," collected artifacts and stories of the Ole Miss riot

• Speaker Series: A series of interactive dialogues and conversations throughout the academic year

Most events will be free and open to the public, but those interested in attending the signature event on Sept. 28 are asked to contact umbo@olemiss.edu or call 662-915-7411.

Additionally, a letter-writing campaign is being led by the university's Associated Student Body, Black Student Union, and Graduate Student Council. Letters can be submitted via an online form. Letters are encouraged to be sent in by Sept. 12.

There will also be a commemorative book released called "James Meredith: Breaking the Barrier." It will include a series of illustrated essays on Meredith and his impact.

Lastly, the university has put together a self-guided walking tour around important locations from Meredith's time in Oxford.

More information on the anniversary can be found at 60years.olemiss.edu.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: James Meredith 60th anniversary events planned at University of Miss.