JANS – The City of Jackson honored civil rights leader James Meredith during a commemoration dinner held June 3, 2026, recognizing his major impact and the 60th anniversary of the March Against Fear. During the event, Mr. Meredith was presented with a ceremonial key to the city. Mayor John Horhn also proclaimed June 25, 2026, as James Meredith Day to honor his 93rd birthday.
Meredith, a Mississippi native, became nationally known in 1962 when he integrated the University of Mississippi, breaking barriers in higher education during segregation. In 1966, he launched the March Against Fear, a walk from Memphis to Jackson to encourage Black citizens to register to vote despite threats and intimidation.
Though Meredith was shot and injured early in the march, his effort sparked a broader movement. Civil rights leaders and thousands of supporters continued the journey, turning it into a defining moment in the fight for voting rights…