Module 15 Lesson 2 Page 2: Standing Firm By: Shayna Preisler

Integrating Ole Miss In September 1962, former Air Force flyer James Meredith won a court case which allowed him to enroll at the University of Mississippi. When he arrived on campus, the governor of Mississippi, Ross Barnett, turned him away and refused to let him register. The president ordered officers to escort Meredith to register On September 30, riots broke out on campus, it took 15 hours to stop the chaos. For the next few months Meredith had to be escorted to all of his classes.

James Meredith being escorted to class

Heading Into Birmingham Birmingham, Alabama was the most segregated city in America until action began in April 1963. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. flew into Birmingham ready to begin non-violent protests partnering with the SCLC. King and the SCLC organized many marches and other peaceful protests until King was arrested on April 12. King was released from jail on April 20 and returned to the desegregation movement. As marches continued, the movement grew through media projection. The Police Force used dogs and fire hoses to attack the marchers. After months of protest, President Kennedy finally passed a civil rights act.

Birmingham Fire Department using hoses on peaceful protesters.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zsi 2tS7pCUk

Kennedy Takes A Stand At the University of Alabama, on June 11, 1963, two black students got the permission from a federal judge to take courses at the school. Aware of challenges ahead, President Kennedy ordered National Troops to escort the students around campus safely. The governor of Alabama, George Wallace, stood in front of the building to make a speech about states’ rights before letting the students enter. That night, Kennedy made a speech in which he demanded Congress to pass a civil rights bill. Hours later a Medger Evers, a black man, was killed in Mississippi, this brought a new perspective to the Civil Rights Movement and Americas began to demand freedom.

George wallace stands in front of University of Alabama before letting the integrated students in.