current events | January 10, 2026

James Howard Meredith - Age, Family, Bio

Civil Rights Movement leader who became a household name when he became the first African American student admitted to the University of Mississippi.

Before Fame

He attended segregated schools before making his stand against segregated education.

Trivia

He organized the March Against Fear to encourage blacks to vote.

Family Life

He was married to Mary June Wiggins Meredith, with whom he had three children; he married Judy Alsobrook Meredith after Mary died.

Associated With

He wanted to make John F. Kennedy's administration enforce civil rights for African Americans.