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James Meredith, First African American to Attend Ole Miss, Speaking At PSC


James Meredith
James Meredith in 1962. (Wikimedia Commons)

Chicago Heights, IL-(ENEWSPF)- James Meredith, the first African American to attend the University of Mississippi, is speaking at Prairie State College (PSC) on the anniversary of his ground breaking civil rights act. On Monday, Nov. 4, Meredith is speaking at 11 a.m. and at 7 p.m. in the Conference Center Auditorium on the PSC main campus at 202 S. Halsted Street in Chicago Heights, Ill. Both events are open to the public.

During the 11 a.m. event, Illinois House Representative Al Riley will be presenting Meredith with an Illinois House resolution honoring him for his legendary civil rights service.

“We are both excited and honored to host Mr. Meredith; this is a wonderful opportunity for our students and community members to learn about a historic change in the lives of so many people,” said PSC President Dr. Terri Winfree.

Meredith is a United States Air Force veteran who was rejected twice from admission to the University of Mississippi. After a court battle, Meredith was admitted to the university in 1962. Regardless of being the target of many threats, and needing the protection of federal marshals on campus, Meredith graduated from the university in 1964.

Also that day, PSC’s new Male Success Initiative (MSI) will be announced. The purpose of the MSI at PSC is to recruit, enroll, retain, and support males of color in their pursuit of all educational endeavors.

For more information, contact William Berkley at (708) 709-2946, or [email protected].


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