In this photograph, civil rights advocate James Meredith sustains gunshot wounds to his head, back, and neck when he is unexpectedly targeted by a sniper during his leadership of a demonstration aimed at raising awareness about racism. Here is an account of Meredith's experience:
Meredith, a former air force pilot, made history in 1962 as the first African American man admitted to the University of Mississippi. Although initially accepted, his admission was later revoked upon the discovery of his race. Following a legal battle, the US Court ruled in favor of Meredith, granting him access to the institution. Due to the high level of threat from racist individuals in the area, Meredith received police escort on his first day at the university.
In 1966, Meredith initiated a solo initiative known as the "March Against Fear" with the goal of shedding light on racism and encouraging African Americans to vote for politicians supporting their rights in the upcoming elections. Spanning a distance of 220 miles, the march commenced on June 5th.
On June 6th, while crossing the Mississippi border, Meredith was ambushed by Aubrey Novell, a white individual. Novell fired at Meredith from a wooded area, inflicting three gunshot wounds. Despite the presence of police and FBI monitoring the march, the attack transpired.
Fortunately, Meredith survived the assault, and on June 26th, Martin Luther King Jr., along with other activists and thousands of participants, assumed control of and completed the march, with Meredith rejoining them shortly before its conclusion. Throughout the course of the march, the group faced hostility, harassment, and threats from both civilians and law enforcement personnel.
Aubrey Novell was found guilty of assault and served a mere two-year prison sentence.
Today, at the age of 89, James Meredith continues to be alive.
#indieanimation on top of the illustration stuff I also animate, pickier with gigs these days as I’m mostly doing illustration but hit me up if you’re looking for something cool and moderately expensive
A group of mostly black friends and family were gathered to support their friends running in the Bost Marathon, at Mile 21 Newton, MA, When they got unexpected company. The local police surrounded the group, blocking them with their bicycles turned longways.
Jacksonville, Florida sheriff’s officers stripped a 45-year-old man on a public road in view of his aunt & others over an alleged $20 drug deal.
The police found no drugs, but still arrested him & left the strip search out of the arrest report https://t.co/NPXk2WSyGT
The Republican billionaire who lavished Justice Clarence Thomas with free trips on his private plane and yacht collects Hitler artifacts and has a signed copy of Mein Kampf https://t.co/FOSTiZlNO4
Police jailed a deaf 71-year-old over a misunderstanding at an airport. They broke her arm and gave her Aleve for the pain while she spent 3 days in jail
https://t.co/hYvpNzD6WJ