James Meredith sought to enroll at the University of Mississippi, a public institution that, at the time, was an emblem of racial segregation. After successfully navigating the application process as the first African American student, he faced an aggressive campaign by segregationists opposed to his entrance. State authorities, led by Governor Ross Barnett, publicly decried Meredith’s enrollment and attempted to block him from registering. On the designated day for his entry, a massive crowd of protesters assembled, leading to violence as Meredith approached the campus.

In response to the chaos, President John F. Kennedy ordered federal marshals to protect Meredith and enforce his rights. The turmoil escalated, culminating in a confrontation between protesters and federal forces at the university. Despite the hostility, Meredith’s determination did not waver, and he was finally admitted into the institution. His presence marked a pivotal moment in the escalating fight against segregation in education and the broader Civil Rights Movement, as students and activists took inspiration from his courageous stand.

Meredith's courageous act not only disrupted the status quo of segregation at the University of Mississippi but also demonstrated the federal government’s willingness to intervene in civil rights issues. His journey continued even after enrollment, facing harassment and hostility from some of his peers while becoming a symbol of the struggle for African American equality in education. Meredith graduated in 1963, underscoring the continued need for advocacy and legal actions against educational inequities.