Breaking Mississippi Podcast
The inside story of James Meredith's war against racial segregation in 1960s America - an explosive flashpoint in civil rights history that draws in both the KKK and JFK.
This is the explosive inside story of James Meredith's battle to smash the system of white supremacy in the most racially segregated state in 1960s America.
By becoming the first black person to apply to the all-white university of Mississippi - Meredith will draw in the KKK and JFK - and trigger the largest number of troops ever deployed for a single disturbance on US soil.
Across 10 episodes and with US public radio journalist Jenn White as our guide - James Meredith takes us from his childhood in rural Mississippi where racism runs deep - to a pivotal flashpoint in US civil rights history that will be described as the last battle of the American Civil War.
This could be our last opportunity to hear James Meredith tell this story in his own words and in a way that's never been heard before.
Episodes to download
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10. Fresh Hostilities
Fri 24 Mar 2023
Sixty years on, the university is engaged in a new struggle over its history and identity.
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9. Blood on the Highway
Thu 23 Mar 2023
As Meredith walks further into civil rights history, an armed figure steps on to the road.
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8. A Soldier's Duty
Wed 22 Mar 2023
Meredith's name is breaking news again as he announces he may not stay at the university.
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7. No Man's land
Tue 21 Mar 2023
Meredith is being relentlessly harassed and more soldiers are now on campus than students.
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6. Battlefield Mississippi
Mon 20 Mar 2023
The stage is set for what will be described as the last battle of the American Civil War.
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5. A Call to Arms
Fri 17 Mar 2023
As armed segregationists head for Oxford, President JFK and the governor talk in secret.
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4. Blocked
Thu 16 Mar 2023
The Supreme Court order to admit Meredith to the university is openly defied.
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3. Rules of Engagement
Wed 15 Mar 2023
The civil rights movement is shaking up the south as Meredith begins a fierce legal battle
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2. JFK and the Boogeyman
Tue 14 Mar 2023
James Meredith has conceived a masterplan and is prepared to risk his life on it.
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1. Divine Destiny
Mon 13 Mar 2023
James Meredith's father tells his son he has a special responsibility in life.
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Introducing Breaking Mississippi
Mon 6 Mar 2023
The explosive inside story of one man's war against racial segregation in 1960s America.
