In this Oct. 1, 1962, photo, James Meredith, back center, is escorted by federal marshals as he appears for his first day of class at the previously all-white University of Mississippi, in Oxford, Miss. That same school now celebrates the 50th anniversary of this painful act that caused rioting and deaths at the north Mississippi campus at the time of the integration.
In this Oct. 1, 1962, photo, James Meredith, back center, is escorted by federal marshals as he appears for his first day of class at the previously all-white University of Mississippi, in Oxford, Miss.
In this Oct. 2, 1962, photo, James Meredith, back center, is escorted by federal marshals as he appears for his first day of class at the previously all-white University of Mississippi, in Oxford, Miss.
In this Sept. 25, 1962 photo, Mississippi Gov. Ross Barnett, wearing glasses at right, refuses to allow James Meredith, left, admittance to the University of Mississippi in scene outside university trustees' office in Jackson, Miss. About a week later, Meredith became the first black student to integrate the university.
In this June 6, 1966, photo, James Meredith is seen on the ground after being shot during the March Against Fear from Memphis, Tenn., to Jackson, Miss.
James Meredith is seen in this June 2, 1966, photo.
James Meredith is seen in this July 15, 2003, photo.
In this Aug. 14, 2012, photo, James Meredith, the first black student to integrate the University of Mississippi in 1962, speaks to customers at a Jackson, Miss., book store. Meredith's current book outlines his impression of race relations, integration and the statue the university erected to commemorate his integration of the liberal arts school.
James Meredith speaks about his latest book at a Jackson, Miss., book store on Aug. 14, 2012.
James Meredith takes a break from signing autographs at a Jackson, Miss., book store on Aug. 14, 2012, to have a photograph taken by State Rep. Jim Evans, D-Jackson.
James Meredith signs autographs at a Jackson, Miss., book store
James Meredith autographs his newest book at a Jackson, Miss., book store on Aug. 14, 2012.
James Meredith speaks to an audience at a reading at a Jackson, Miss., book store on Aug. 14, 2012.