James Meredith is the first African American to be admitted to the University of Mississippi. His enrollment and eventual acceptance to the university entailed the deployment of federal marshals for his protection. His experience with racism fueled his resolve to fight for the rights of African Americans and to encourage them to register to vote. During his "March Against Fear" from Memphis to Jackson, he was shot. Upon his recovery, he rejoined the march because he was fighting for the civil rights of African Americans.
