Today, Author and Civil Rights Leader, James Meredith is best known as the man who desegregated Ole Miss amid threats from the white community. More than 30,000 federal troops and Mississippi National Guardsmen were called in the resulting riots in the fall of 1962 in reaction to Meredith’s admission into the University of Mississippi.

James Meredith was born in Kosciusko, MS, on June 25, 1933. He was an exceptional student in good standings. James enrolled in the U.S. Air Force right out of high school and served from 1951 to 1960. He then attended Jackson State College for two years. Afterwards, in 1962 he then tried to transfer to the University of Mississippi and was denied admission. Meredith filed a complaint with the district court in 1961, and a federal court ordered the university to desegregate and admit Meredith. He then became the first black student to attend the University of Mississippi graduating in 1964. He received a degree in political science. He later earned a law degree from Columbia University in 1968.

In 1966 James published his first book titled "Three Years In Mississippi," reflecting on his past experience growing up in Mississippi. Shortly after publishing his book, he organized "The Walk Against Fear" a freedom march from Memphis to Jackson, MS. To this date James has been busy traveling the world giving speeches to various audiences and telling about his move to the University of Mississippi. Because of his marvelous and courageous move James was able to see his son Joe graduate with a Ph.D. in business from the University of Mississippi.

In conclusion, because of his hard work and determination, James H. Meredith has made a serious impact on the state of Mississippi and people from all over the world. And because of his accomplishments, he is now considered as one of the "Famous Mississippians."