Dive Summary:
- In recent weeks, the University of Mississippi has been commemorating the tumultuous period of integration with a program called "Opening the Closed Society," featuring lectures by such prominent figures as Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. and singer/activist Harry Belafonte, movie screenings, panel discussions and a "walk of reconciliation and redemption."
- James Meredith, the first African-American student to enroll in classes at Ole Miss after it was racially integrated 50 years ago, said he wouldn't attend the events, but he has unexpectedly shown up at similar events in the past.
- History Professor Charles W. Eagles created a minor stir last week when he questioned whether the university should actually focus on the 100 years of institutionalized racism preceding integration, reflecting the South's continuing struggle with its racial legacy.
From the article:
There still may be a few bullet holes in the stately white columns of the Lyceum, the Greek Revival building here that symbolizes the University of Mississippi, but most were unintentionally plastered over during a renovation years ago. ...