An American Insurrection: James Meredith and the Battle of Oxford, Mississippi, 1962

"An American Insurrection: James Meredith and the Battle of Oxford, Mississippi, 1962," unveils the riveting narrative of James Meredith, a black veteran who, in 1961, dared to confront the entrenched white supremacy by applying to the racially segregated University of Mississippi. His bold act precipitated a national crisis, described by Time magazine as the severest clash of federal versus state authority since the Civil War. Author William Doyle, through meticulous research, including over 500 interviews and access to thousands of pages of FBI files and JFK’s White House tapes, reconstructs the explosive events of September 30, 1962. The book vividly recounts the intense confrontation between white civilians and federal marshals, leading to President Kennedy's unprecedented decision to deploy over 20,000 troops to quell the violence and enforce constitutional rights. Highlighting key figures such as Governor Ross Barnett and the courageous federal responders, this narrative not only captures an essential turning point in the civil rights movement but also serves as a crucial read for high-school students exploring themes of racial justice and American history. Published on January 7, 2003, "An American Insurrection" is a compelling testament to the struggle and triumph over segregation and discrimination, urging readers to reflect on how far America has come and the road that still lies ahead in the fight for equality.