Black History: Meredith Makes Strides in Higher Education

Not all figures and events in black history are undisputed, nor do all the figures even support the concept of Civil Rights. This month’s black history figure is one who has reluctantly, but undeniably warrants our attention because of what many perceive to be a personification of the struggle for affirmative action in higher education.

On August 30, 1962, James Meredith was escorted by federal marshals and Mississippi’s National Guard to the University of Mississippi. In today’s relatively progressive society, we would be puzzled to see such a grandiose entrance for an ordinary student to commence their educational pursuit. But in 1962, Meredith’s enrollment into the University was the essence of affirmative action: a qualified person of color received the support and protection of the government to secure a spot that his ethnic group has historically had limited access to. After serving his country for nine years in the U.S. Air Force and attending Jackson State University for two years, Meredith says that he believed it to be his “divine responsibility” to challenge President John F. Kennedy and America to stand by its self-proclaimed virtuous system when he applied to the University of Mississippi — a school that did not enroll any African American students at the time. Despite his qualifications, he was denied admission twice. Finally, on May 31, 1961, the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund came to his aid when it filed a suit in the U.S. District Court under the assertion that he was denied admission because of the color of his skin. Although the suit was denied by the District Court, the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court ruled in his favor, stating that he had “a right to be admitted.”

Governor Ross Bennett attempted to counter the ruling swiftly by rushing a bill to the Legislature that would deny any residents with a state offense on their record from being enrolled into state universities — thus, Meredith’s conviction for false voting registration, a common ‘offense’ for African Americans at the time, would have barred him from admission. Much to his avail, Bennett’s efforts proved to be futile as Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy mediated the situation and had the governor toss the bill.

On October 1, 1962, Meredith became the first black student of the University of Mississippi. His enrollment sparked riots that required President Kennedy to call in U.S. Army military police from the 503rd Military Police Battalion, troops from Mississippi Army National Guard and U.S. Border Patrol. The riot led to the injury of 160 soldiers, 28 U.S. Marshals who suffered gunshot wounds and two fatally shot bystanders. Gov. Bennett was fined $10,000 for contempt, but was acquitted of all charges by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Meredith went on to add an exclamation point to his education after he received his degree in political science from the University, received a scholarship to Columbia University and earned his law degree. For the remainder of the ’60s, Meredith was an active Civil Rights figure. From defending African Americans who faced violence when they attempted to register to vote to organizing the renowned “March Against Fear” from Memphis to Jackson in March 1966, he was a man who was willing to face opposition for the advancement of his people.

But not all figures are blameless or exist without controversy. In 1967, he was criticized for joining the Republican Party, serving as a domestic adviser to ultra-conservative, and eventually a leading aid for President Ronald Reagan, Senator Jesse Helms of North Carolina, and for running against Rep. Adam Clayton Powell Jr. "The Republican Party [of New York] made me an offer: full support in every way, everything," Meredith was quoted.

He continued to raise eyebrows and turn off some of his brethren because of his reluctance to recognize his actions and feats as ones that could be counted in the struggle for civil rights.

"Nothing could be more insulting to me than the concept of civil rights,” he famously said. “It means perpetual second-class citizenship for me and my kind.

With all qualms aside, the now 78 year old scholar made an impact on the movement in higher education and beyond in many ways. The number of blacks in college has doubled over the past 25 years to nearly 3 million and continues to grow. Although the graduation rate for African Americans is at a low 42 percent (a 20 percentage point gap between the 62 percent graduation rate for White college students), there is certainly a positive forecast since the number has gradually improved (a 3 percent spike from 2009) and African American students continue to make their way to accredited universities.

Forty-nine years before this month, Meredith made a bold move that bears many fruits today. Hence, Moments of Grace Sept. 15 – Oct. 15 Ed. solutes him.