The University of Mississippi, also known as Ole Miss, has a complex history in Black history. The university played a significant role in the civil rights movement, as it was the site of the infamous James Meredith integration crisis in 1962. James Meredith, an African American veteran, applied and was admitted to the University of Mississippi, which sparked a violent backlash from white segregationists. The ensuing showdown between federal forces and rioters resulted in two deaths and hundreds of injuries. Ultimately, Meredith successfully enrolled at Ole Miss, becoming the university's first African American student.

Since then, the University of Mississippi has made efforts to address its history of segregation and racism. The university established the Center for the Study of Southern Culture in 1977 to promote interdisciplinary exploration of the American South, including its racial past. Ole Miss has also made strides in diversifying its student body and faculty, although challenges and incidents of racism persist.

In recent years, the university has made efforts to acknowledge and address its past, including erecting markers and memorials to commemorate the struggles of Black students and faculty. Ole Miss continues to work towards fostering a more inclusive campus environment and promoting racial reconciliation.