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Breaking Mississippi

The inside story of James Meredith's war against racial segregation in 1960s America - an explosive flashpoint in civil rights history that draws in both the KKK and JFK.

Radio 4,11 episodes

Episodes

ListGrid

Introducing Breaking Mississippi
The explosive inside story of one man's war against racial segregation in 1960s America.
06 Mar 2023,2 mins
1. Divine Destiny
James Meredith's father tells his son he has a special responsibility in life.
13 Mar 2023,14 mins,
2. JFK and the Boogeyman
James Meredith has conceived a masterplan and is prepared to risk his life on it.
14 Mar 2023,14 mins
3. Rules of Engagement
The civil rights movement is shaking up the south as Meredith begins a fierce legal battle
15 Mar 2023,14 mins,
4. Blocked
The Supreme Court order to admit Meredith to the university is openly defied.
16 Mar 2023,14 mins,
5. A Call to Arms
As armed segregationists head for Oxford, President JFK and the governor talk in secret.
17 Mar 2023,14 mins
6. Battlefield Mississippi
The stage is set for what will be described as the last battle of the American Civil War.
20 Mar 2023,14 mins,
7. No Man's land
Meredith is being relentlessly harassed and more soldiers are now on campus than students.
21 Mar 2023,14 mins,
8. A Soldier's Duty
Meredith's name is breaking news again as he announces he may not stay at the university.
22 Mar 2023,14 mins,
9. Blood on the Highway
As Meredith walks further into civil rights history, an armed figure steps on to the road.
23 Mar 2023,14 mins
10. Fresh Hostilities
Sixty years on, the university is engaged in a new struggle over its history and identity.
24 Mar 2023,14 mins