Tiscareno 1
Tiscareno 3
Jonny Tiscareno
Mrs. Watson
English 10
28 April 14
James Meredith
Between 1955 and 1968, the Civil Rights Movement transformed the United States. This movement was led by non-violent protests and civil defiance. During this era, tensions between whites and blacks were at an all-time high and spiraling out of control. Through all of the turmoil, James Meredith, an African-American Air Force veteran became the first African-American to enter the University of Mississippi. Even though this event brought out evil and cruel sides of people, the end goal was ultimately achieved. Thus breaking down the social barriers that plagued America, one small step at a time.
The first document is a letter written by James Meredith to the Justice Department in regards to the process of his admissions. He writes, "It grieves me deeply to realize that an individual, especially an American, the citizen of a free democratic nation, has to clamor with such procedures in order to try to gain just a small amount of his civil and human rights."
walking to class at University of Mississippi, acc...
Statue of James Meredith
walking to class at University of Mississippi, acc...(Meredith, Letter to The Justice Department). Written by James Meredith, the bias in this letter is sympathetic towards Civil Rights Movement. Mr. Meredith is requesting a fair and just admissions process regardless of race. This letter highlights the inequities Mr. Meredith faced even in his child-hood where transportation was only provided for the white students. He also explains the tedious delaying tactics that the state uses to delays his admittance to the University of Mississippi. Overall, this letter is a last stand for Mr. Meredith's battle against the state of Mississippi. He requests that the Justice Department intervene and "use the power and prestige of their positions to insure the full rights of citizenship for our people." (Meredith, Letter to The Justice Department).