James Meredith is an important figure in Black history for being the first African American student to enroll at the University of Mississippi, also known as Ole Miss, in 1962. His admission was a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement as it was met with violent opposition from segregationists. The Governor of Mississippi at the time, Ross Barnett, personally tried to prevent Meredith from enrolling, leading to a standoff between federal authorities and state officials.

Ultimately, Meredith was able to register for classes at the university with the help of federal marshals, and his enrollment marked a significant step towards desegregation in higher education in the United States. Despite facing ongoing harassment and discrimination during his time at Ole Miss, Meredith persevered and went on to graduate with a degree in political science in 1963.

James Meredith's courage and determination in the face of intense opposition made him a symbol of the struggle for civil rights and equal opportunity for African Americans. His actions helped pave the way for further advancements in desegregation and racial equality in the United States.