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James Meredith is born
- Born in Kosciusko, Mississippi
- Of African American and Native American (Chocotaw) heritage
- 7th of Cap Meredith's 13 children
- Inherited independent streak from father
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Graduates high school
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Period: to
Serves in Air Force
- To earn money for college
- During service attends the University of Kansas, Washburn University in Topeka, New Mexico Western College, and the University of Maryland's Japan campus.
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Clennon King sent to mental asylum for attempting to attend summer course at Ole Miss
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Period: to
Attends Jackson State college
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Kennedy is inaugarated
Meredith believes Kennedy will support his efforts to try and attend the University of Mississippi -
Writes to University of Mississippi for application form, beginning an 18 month legal battle
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Although the court ruled in favor of Meredith, Mississippi governor Ross Barnett physically blocks the entrance of Ole Miss, preventing Meredith from entering
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The US Court rules that Meredith is allowed to attend the university.
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Meredith enters Oxford campus with a federal entourage to protect him, riots break out and last all night
- Riots resulted in 2 deaths, 175 injuries, and 212 arrests
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Meredith registers for classes
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Meredith graduates from University of Mississippi.
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Period: to
Meredith attends the Univeristy of Ibadan in Nigeria.
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Meredith organizes March Against Fear and is shot by white supremacist, James Aubrey Norwell, shortly after march begins
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Meredith receives a law degree from Columbia University
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Meredith returns to Mississippi, involving himself in business, politics and the community.
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Ran unsuccessfully as a Republican against senator of Mississippi, James Eastland.
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Period: to
Meredith worked as a visiting professor for University of Cincinnati