#OTD20 | September 20, 1962
James Meredith Blocked by Ross Barnett at Ole Miss
September 20, 1962: James Meredith attempts to register at the University of Mississippi, but is obstructed by Governor Ross Barnett.
Governor Ross Barnett's defiant act directly challenges a U.S. Supreme Court ruling and sets the stage for a federal intervention. Barnett declares:
"There is no case in history where the Caucasian race has survived social integration. … No school will be integrated in Mississippi while I am your Governor!"
Although Meredith is turned away this day, the resulting legal battles and federal intervention lead to a subsequent riot on the Ole Miss campus. It isn't until October, when he is escorted into the school by federal Marshals, that Meredith successfully enrolls.
This landmark confrontation pushes America closer to addressing systemic racism, and James Meredith's determination becomes a symbol of resilience and bravery in the face of oppressive segregation.
Viewing Options
The Civil Rights Movement, from AMERICA IN THE 20TH CENTURY, chronicles many of the iconic moments in the struggle for justice and equality. Spanning nine video chapters and more than 100 minutes, it is the leading standards-based resource on this important era.
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#OTD20
Step back in time to experience the significant events that happened on this day in the 20th century.
September 15, 1916: First Use of Tanks in Combat
#OTD20 — September 15, 1916: History is made as military tanks roll into combat for the first time during the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, part of the Somme Offensive.
September 13, 1948: Margaret Chase Smith Elected to Senate
#OTD20 — September 10, 1948: Margaret Chase Smith is elected to the U.S. making her the first woman to serve in both chambers of Congress.
September 12, 1962: JFK Pledges “We Go to the Moon…”
#OTD20 — September 12, 1962: JFK delivers his “We Go to the Moon” address at Rice University, challenging the nation to land a man on the moon within the decade.
September 11, 1973: Coup Topples Government in Chile
#OTD20 — September 11, 1973: a military coup topples the democratically-elected government in Chile.
September 9, 1916. Woodrow Wilson Urges Patience on Women’s Suffrage
#OTD20 — September 9, 1916: President Woodrow Wilson speaks in Atlantic City, urging patience on the issue of women’s suffrage.
September 8, 1945. Korea Partitioned at 38th Parallel
#OTD20 — September 8, 1945: American troops arrive in Korea, initiating the division of the peninsula along the 38th parallel.
September 8, 1945: Huey “The Kingfish” Long Shot
#OTD20 — September 10, 1935: Senator Huey Long, a prominent figure during the Depression-era politics, is shot while at the Louisiana state capital in Baton Rouge.
September 7, 1940. Luftwaffe attacks. London Blitz Begins.
#OTD20 — September 7, 1940: The Blitz of London begins as the German Luftwaffe launches a devastating attack on the city. By day’s end, one thousand Londoners are dead.
Introducing #OTD20: Your Daily Dose of History
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