Dr. Gilbert Mason launched Operation Surf on April 17, 1960 at Biloxi Beach. He was the only one to wade-in to test the policy of segregated beaches and was arrested immediately. Inspired by his example, 125 people showed up to wade-in on April 24. When they took to the beaches at three locations along the 26-mile stretch, they were immediately attacked while police watched. Later, violence erupted in the town of Biloxi with eight Black and two White residents wounded by gunfire.
Pictured: A black and white photograph of two Black protesters in the aftermath of the Biloxi Wade-In. Both men wear white shirts, covered in spots of blood. They stand against a brick wall with a window and air conditioning unit on the right side.
Credit: MDAH Photographs Collection
