@jfklibraryfdn: Listening in: President Kennedy speaks with Mississippi Governor Ross Barnett during the integration of the University of Mississippi, 1962. James Meredith, a Black veteran who had completed 2 years at an HBCU, had applied to the all-white University of Mississippi in 1961, but had been rejected. Finally, the Supreme Court ruled that the school must admit him; this decision was fiercely protested by segregationists, including Barnett. Federal marshals accompanied Meredith to campus in an attempt to register for classes, and white protesters rioted. In the meantime, the Kennedy administration and Barnett had lengthy discussions about how to avoid violence and see that Meredith was able to enroll safely. James Meredith enrolled at the formerly all-white school on October 1, 1962, and graduated after two semesters. Audio: JFK and Barnett discuss maintaining law and order in MS, September 30, 1962. JFKPOF-TPH-04F-4 (excerpt)

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Wednesday 30 September 2026 16:22:58 GMT