In the autumn breeze of ’62,
A tale unfolds, both harsh and true.
At Ole Miss, in Mississippi’s grasp,
A riot stirred, a turbulent gasp.
James Meredith, a lone black soul,
Strived for rights, a challenging goal.
Against the tide of segregation’s hold,
He sought admission, brave and bold.
Governor Barnett took his stand,
Defying rights, with a heavy hand.
Segregation’s banner, he held high,
Against the winds of change, he’d defy.
Troops deployed, a federal decree,
To quell the storm, set justice free.
In riotous echoes, the struggle roared,
A clash of visions, freedom implored.
Bravery and hatred clashed that night,
In the glow of campus light.
Tear gas, shouts, and bitter strife,
A chapter etched on the fabric of life.
Yet, amidst the chaos, a seed was sown,
The fight for rights would not be overthrown.
From that tumultuous, darkened fray,
A beacon flickered, lighting the way.
So, let us remember ’62,
The Ole Miss riot, a tale so true.
In the struggle for justice, a seed was sown,
And from its roots, new strength has grown.
References
BBC. (1962,). BBC on this day | 1 | 1962: Mississippi race riots over First Black Student. BBC News.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/october/1/newsid_2538000/2538169.stm
Brodsky, M. (2020). Ole miss riot (1962)
https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/ole-miss-riot-1962/
Cohodas, N. (1997). James Meredith and the Integration of Ole Miss. The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education, 16, 112–122. https://doi.org/10.2307/2962922
Halbfinger, D., M. (2002). 40 years after infamy, ole miss looks to reflect and heal. The New York Times.
https://www.nytimes.com/2002/09/27/us/40-years-after-infamy-ole-miss-looks-to -reflect-and-heal.html
Elliott, D. (2012). Integrating ole miss: A transformative, deadly riot. NPR.
https://www.npr.org/2012/10/01/161573289/integrating-ole-miss-a-transformative-deadly-riot