James Meredith is considered by many as an American hero.
The Kosciusko native was the first African American to enroll at Ole Miss and led the largest march into Jackson in the 60s.
The U.S. Senate took a step to honor his courageous acts on Monday, passing a resolution to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the “March Against Fear” during the civil rights movement. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Jeanne Shaheen, D-N-H. authored the resolution with cosponsor Senator Thad Cochran, R-Miss, which recognizes the historical significance of Meredith’s 220-mile walk down Hwy. 51 from Memphis, Tenn. to Jackson.
“In June 1966, James Meredith did something truly courageous, playing a powerful role in Mississippi’s progress during the civil rights era,” Sen. Wicker said. “Transformative events like the ‘March Against Fear’ merit the highest recognition. Our nation is better because of fearless individuals like him, who were willing to pioneer change 50 years ago.”
“James Meredith’s bravery and determination remain an inspiration to this day,” Sen. Shaheen said. “His historic ‘March Against Fear’ was a clarion call for justice and equality. It is a fitting tribute for the U.S. Senate to honor his tremendous contributions to advancing civil rights.”
“I am pleased the Senate is commemorating the 50th anniversary of James Meredith’s March Against Fear and his role as a historic leader in the civil rights movement,” Sen. Cochran said. “I commend Senator Wicker on his leadership to call attention to this historic event.”
Four years after becoming the first African-American to enroll at Ole Miss, Meredith planned a march in June 1966 to challenge the fear that dominated the daily lives of African-Americans in southern states. He was shot three times by attempted-assassin Aubrey James Norvell one mile south of Hernando. While Meredith recovered, the march he launched continued to Jackson, resulting in thousands of African-Americans registering to vote.
Meredith later returned and finished the march at the Mississippi State Capitol in Jackson. Approximately 15,000 people joined him at its conclusion, making it the largest civil rights demonstration in the history of Mississippi.
Meredith was honored by the City of Kosciusko last week when the Board of Aldermen voted to rename F street to James H. Meredith Street.
“We believe that this is just a small way to honor Mr. Meredith,” said Jerone Garland, who presented the plan to the aldermen. “We wanted to use a street that didn’t have a name and connected to the highway.”
Meredith will be honored at the Attala County NAACP banquet Saturday night. Organizers are planning a ceremony during the banquet to commemorate the name change.
