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MISSISSIPPIAN T h e S t u d e n t N e w s pa p e r
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BSU unveils historical markers as tribute to James Meredith The Black Student Union held a tribute Monday where they unveiled three markers for buildings on campus that James Meredith visited during his first day of classes at The University of Mississippi in 1962. BY KAYLEIGH SKINNER kaskinne@go.olemiss.edu
On the 50th anniversary of James Meredith’s admission to The University of Mississippi, the Black Student Union paid tribute to Meredith by unveiling dedication markers. Donald Cole, assistant provost and assistant to the chancellor for minority affairs, reflected on the struggles Meredith faced as the only black student at the university. “The precedent that he set is the fact that he persisted to graduation,” Cole said. “He got his degree from The University of Mississippi and this is part of his legacy to you: to be courageous enough to withstand the pressures of life, pressures of the academics of this institution and persist to graduation.” The highlight of the tribute
came with the presentation of the three markers for locations Meredith visiting during his first day on campus in 1962. “The project had two goals: to make a contribution to an interactive tour of the campus and to send a message that Mr. Meredith’s first day at Ole Miss lay the foundation for the future of higher increased learning,” Kimbrely Dandridge, Associated Student Body president, said. The first marker we be placed at Baxter Hall, where Meredith stayed during his time at Ole Miss. The second marker will go at Bondurant Hall, where he took French and history classes. The final marker will be placed at Peabody Hall, where he went to enroll in a mathematics course on his first day. Each See BSU, PAGE 3
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‘open doors to the future’ Following the Meredith and Me Walk from Baxter Hall to the Lyceum, Chancellor Dan Jones apologized for past injustices and asked those in attendance to recommit themselves to keeping doors open in the future.
PHILLIP WALLER | The Daily Mississippian
Chancellor Dan Jones (left) and Associated Student Body President Kimbrely Dandridge (right) lead a group of students, professors and Oxford residents during last night’s “Meredith and Me: The Walk” event.
BY GRANT BEEBE sgbeebe@go.olemiss.edu
Musician and Civil Rights Activist Harry Belafonte, Chancellor Dan Jones and Associated Student Body president Kimbrely Dandridge led a walk to commemorate the anniversary of James Meredith’s first day as a student at The Univer-
sity of Mississippi. The walk began at Baxter Hall, where Meredith lived while on campus, and ended at the Lyceum steps. Facing the statue of Meredith, Jones addressed those celebrating the occasion. “The reality of our history is difficult, and we express deep regret that the things that hap-
pened here 50 years ago happened to Mr. Meredith, even though he is not present today,” Jones said. “We say to him, to his family, to anyone who shares that heart, we say we regret the past and we apologize for the way things were and we apologize that this was such a See WALK, PAGE 4
Belafonte wraps up Day of Remembrance Harry Belafonte, known for his activism and music, was the keynote speaker Monday night, concluding the university’s Day of Remembrance. BY ANN-MARIE HEROD aherod@go.olemiss.edu
Actor and musician Harry Belafonte spoke to a packed house at the Ford Center Monday night. “Civil rights is not just a movement, it’s a way of life,” Belafonte said. Chancellor Dan Jones opened the ceremony with a brief statement about the day’s meaning for The University of Mississippi. With the help of faculty members ANNA BRIGANCE | The Daily Mississippian
The Black Student Union unveiled historic markers that will be placed at Baxter Hall, Bondurant Hall and Peabody Hall in honor of James Meredith.
See BELAFONTE, PAGE 4
PHILLIP WALLER | The Daily Mississippian
Harry Belafonte spoke at the Ford Center yesterday as part of the 50 years of integration celebration.