In September 1962, James Meredith’s attempt to register at the University of Mississippi triggered a bloody riot. Federal marshals faced an armed, angry White mob. Meredith sought the advice of Medgar Evers about applying, and when the school denied his application, NAACP lawyers represented him in federal court. The US Fifth Circuit Court demanded Meredith’s admission. Governor Ross Barnett invoked "interposition"—claiming the state’s right to ignore federal action—leading to the violent climate on campus.
Pictured: A black and white photograph of James Meredith, center, being escorted to class at the University of Mississippi by James McShane, Chief US Marshal, and John Doar, Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights.
Credit: University of Mississippi Ed Meek Collection
