James Meredith - Timeline

James Meredith enlisted in the U.S. Air Force for nine years until he was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant.

James Meredith was honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force.

Meredith attends Jackson State, a black college.

Meredith writes to University of Mississippi for application form, beginning an 18 month legal battle

Although the court ruled in favor of Meredith, Mississippi governor Ross Barnett physically blocks the entrance of Ole Miss, preventing Meredith from entering

The US Court rules that Meredith is allowed to attend the university.

Meredith enters the University of Mississippi campus with a federal entourage to protect him, riots break out and last all night

Meredith graduates from University of Mississippi.

Meredith organizes March Against Fear and is shot by white supremacist, James Aubrey Norwell, shortly after march begins

Meredith organizes March Against Fear and is shot by white supremacist, James Aubrey Norwell, shortly after march begins (copy)

Meredith receives a law degree from Columbia University

James Meredith was born in Kosciusko, Mississippi. He was one of ten children in a farming family.

Meredith graduates from high school at a segregated institution near St. Petersburg, Florida, where his uncle lived.