Breaking Mississippi

BBC Radio 4
  • 4.9 (12)
  • HISTORY
Breaking Mississippi

This is the explosive inside story of James Meredith's battle to smash the system of white supremacy in the most racially segregated state in 1960s America. By becoming the first black person to apply to the all-white university of Mississippi - Meredith will draw in the KKK and JFK - and trigger the largest number of troops ever deployed for a single disturbance on US soil. Across 10 episodes and with US public radio journalist Jenn White as our guide - James Meredith takes us from his childhood in rural Mississippi where racism runs deep - to a pivotal flashpoint in US civil rights history that will be described as the last battle of the American Civil War. This could be our last opportunity to hear James Meredith tell this story in his own words and in a way that's never been heard before.

Episodes

  1. 03/13/2023

    10. Fresh Hostilities

    This is the explosive inside story of James Meredith's battle to smash the system of white supremacy in the most racially segregated state in 1960s America. By becoming the first black person to apply to the all-white university of Mississippi – Meredith will draw in the KKK and JFK – and trigger the largest number of troops ever deployed for a single disturbance on US soil. Across 10 episodes and with US public radio journalist Jenn White as our guide - James Meredith takes us from his childhood in rural Mississippi where racism runs deep – to a pivotal flashpoint in US civil rights history that will be described as the last battle of the American Civil War. This could be our last opportunity to hear James Meredith tell this story in his own words and in a way that's never been heard before. Episode Ten: Fresh Hostilities Sixty years on from James Meredith's historic integration - the University of Mississippi is engaged in a new struggle over its history and identity. Presenter: Jenn White Producer: Conor Garrett Editor: Philip Sellars Production Co-ordinator: Anne Smith Audio Engineer: Gary Bawden Original Music Score: Ashley Beedle and Darren Morris. Recorded @ North Street West Archive reproduced with the kind permission of: The Mississippi Department of Archives and History, Mississippi State University, JFK Library, Getty Images, Huntley Film Archives, British Pathé Ltd, F.I.L.M Archives, Efootage, Historic Films, The Clarion Ledger – USA Today Network. With special thanks to the University of Mississippi.

    15 min

  2. 03/13/2023

    9. Blood on the Highway

    This is the explosive inside story of James Meredith's battle to smash the system of white supremacy in the most racially segregated state in 1960s America. By becoming the first black person to apply to the all-white university of Mississippi – Meredith will draw in the KKK and JFK – and trigger the largest number of troops ever deployed for a single disturbance on US soil. Across 10 episodes and with US public radio journalist Jenn White as our guide - James Meredith takes us from his childhood in rural Mississippi where racism runs deep – to a pivotal flashpoint in US civil rights history that will be described as the last battle of the American Civil War. This could be our last opportunity to hear James Meredith tell this story in his own words and in a way that's never been heard before. Episode Nine: Blood on the Highway As Meredith continues a solitary walk further into civil rights history - an armed figure steps on to the side of the road. Presenter: Jenn White Producer: Conor Garrett Editor: Philip Sellars Production Co-ordinator: Anne Smith Audio Engineer: Gary Bawden Original Music Score: Ashley Beedle and Darren Morris. Recorded @ North Street West Archive reproduced with the kind permission of: The Mississippi Department of Archives and History, Mississippi State University, JFK Library, Getty Images, Huntley Film Archives, British Pathé Ltd, F.I.L.M Archives, Efootage, Historic Films, The Clarion Ledger – USA Today Network. With special thanks to the University of Mississippi.

    15 min

  3. 03/13/2023

    8. A Soldier's Duty

    This is the explosive inside story of James Meredith's battle to smash the system of white supremacy in the most racially segregated state in 1960s America. By becoming the first black person to apply to the all-white university of Mississippi – Meredith will draw in the KKK and JFK – and trigger the largest number of troops ever deployed for a single disturbance on US soil. Across 10 episodes and with US public radio journalist Jenn White as our guide - James Meredith takes us from his childhood in rural Mississippi where racism runs deep – to a pivotal flashpoint in US civil rights history that will be described as the last battle of the American Civil War. This could be our last opportunity to hear James Meredith tell this story in his own words and in a way that's never been heard before. Episode Eight: A Soldier's Duty Meredith has noticed something is wrong with the way troops are being deployed on campus - and as he announces he may not stay on at the university - his name is breaking news once again. Presenter: Jenn White Producer: Conor Garrett Editor: Philip Sellars Production Co-ordinator: Anne Smith Audio Engineer: Gary Bawden Original Music Score: Ashley Beedle and Darren Morris. Recorded @ North Street West Archive reproduced with the kind permission of: The Mississippi Department of Archives and History, Mississippi State University, JFK Library, Getty Images, Huntley Film Archives, British Pathé Ltd, F.I.L.M Archives, Efootage, Historic Films, The Clarion Ledger – USA Today Network. With special thanks to the University of Mississippi.

    15 min

  4. 03/13/2023

    7. No Man's land

    This is the explosive inside story of James Meredith's battle to smash the system of white supremacy in the most racially segregated state in 1960s America. By becoming the first black person to apply to the all-white university of Mississippi – Meredith will draw in the KKK and JFK – and trigger the largest number of troops ever deployed for a single disturbance on US soil. Across 10 episodes and with US public radio journalist Jenn White as our guide - James Meredith takes us from his childhood in rural Mississippi where racism runs deep – to a pivotal flashpoint in US civil rights history that will be described as the last battle of the American Civil War. This could be our last opportunity to hear James Meredith tell this story in his own words and in a way that's never been heard before. Episode Seven: No Man's Land As the teargas clears, there are more US army troops on campus than there are students and Meredith is being subjected to relentless harassment and intimidation. Presenter: Jenn White Producer: Conor Garrett Editor: Philip Sellars Production Co-ordinator: Anne Smith Audio Engineer: Gary Bawden Original Music Score: Ashley Beedle and Darren Morris. Recorded @ North Street West Archive reproduced with the kind permission of: The Mississippi Department of Archives and History, Mississippi State University, JFK Library, Getty Images, Huntley Film Archives, British Pathé Ltd, F.I.L.M Archives, Efootage, Historic Films, The Clarion Ledger – USA Today Network. With special thanks to the University of Mississippi.

    15 min

  5. 03/13/2023

    6. Battlefield Mississippi

    This is the explosive inside story of James Meredith's battle to smash the system of white supremacy in the most racially segregated state in 1960s America. By becoming the first black person to apply to the all-white university of Mississippi – Meredith will draw in the KKK and JFK – and trigger the largest number of troops ever deployed for a single disturbance on US soil. Across 10 episodes and with US public radio journalist Jenn White as our guide - James Meredith takes us from his childhood in rural Mississippi where racism runs deep – to a pivotal flashpoint in US civil rights history that will be described as the last battle of the American Civil War. This could be our last opportunity to hear James Meredith tell this story in his own words and in a way that's never been heard before. Episode Six: Battlefield Mississippi With several hundred Federal Marshals facing a growing white mob on campus - the stage is set for what will be described as the last battle of the American Civil War. Presenter: Jenn White Producer: Conor Garrett Editor: Philip Sellars Production Co-ordinator: Anne Smith Audio Engineer: Gary Bawden Original Music Score: Ashley Beedle and Darren Morris. Recorded @ North Street West Archive reproduced with the kind permission of: The Mississippi Department of Archives and History, Mississippi State University, JFK Library, Getty Images, Huntley Film Archives, British Pathé Ltd, F.I.L.M Archives, Efootage, Historic Films, The Clarion Ledger – USA Today Network. With special thanks to the University of Mississippi.

    15 min

  6. 03/13/2023

    5. A Call to Arms

    This is the explosive inside story of James Meredith's battle to smash the system of white supremacy in the most racially segregated state in 1960s America. By becoming the first black person to apply to the all-white university of Mississippi – Meredith will draw in the KKK and JFK – and trigger the largest number of troops ever deployed for a single disturbance on US soil. Across 10 episodes and with US public radio journalist Jenn White as our guide - James Meredith takes us from his childhood in rural Mississippi where racism runs deep – to a pivotal flashpoint in US civil rights history that will be described as the last battle of the American Civil War. This could be our last opportunity to hear James Meredith tell this story in his own words and in a way that's never been heard before. Episode Five: A Call to Arms As increasing numbers of armed segregationists head for the Oxford campus - President Kennedy and the Mississippi Governor talk in secret. Presenter: Jenn White Producer: Conor Garrett Editor: Philip Sellars Production Co-ordinator: Anne Smith Audio Engineer: Gary Bawden Original Music Score: Ashley Beedle and Darren Morris. Recorded @ North Street West Archive reproduced with the kind permission of: The Mississippi Department of Archives and History, Mississippi State University, JFK Library, Getty Images, Huntley Film Archives, British Pathé Ltd, F.I.L.M Archives, Efootage, Historic Films, The Clarion Ledger – USA Today Network. With special thanks to the University of Mississippi.

    14 min

  7. 03/13/2023

    4. Blocked

    This is the explosive inside story of James Meredith's battle to smash the system of white supremacy in the most racially segregated state in 1960s America. By becoming the first black person to apply to the all-white university of Mississippi – Meredith will draw in the KKK and JFK – and trigger the largest number of troops ever deployed for a single disturbance on US soil. Across 10 episodes and with US public radio journalist Jenn White as our guide - James Meredith takes us from his childhood in rural Mississippi where racism runs deep – to a pivotal flashpoint in US civil rights history that will be described as the last battle of the American Civil War. This could be our last opportunity to hear James Meredith tell this story in his own words and in a way that's never been heard before. Episode Four: Blocked The Supreme Court has ordered for Meredith be admitted to the University of Mississippi - but state governor Ross Barnett has other ideas Presenter: Jenn White Producer: Conor Garrett Editor: Philip Sellars Production Co-ordinator: Anne Smith Audio Engineer: Gary Bawden Original Music Score: Ashley Beedle and Darren Morris. Recorded @ North Street West Archive reproduced with the kind permission of: The Mississippi Department of Archives and History, Mississippi State University, JFK Library, Getty Images, Huntley Film Archives, British Pathé Ltd, F.I.L.M Archives, Efootage, Historic Films, The Clarion Ledger – USA Today Network. With special thanks to the University of Mississippi.

    15 min

  8. 03/13/2023

    3. Rules of Engagement

    This is the explosive inside story of James Meredith's battle to smash the system of white supremacy in the most racially segregated state in 1960s America. By becoming the first black person to apply to the all-white university of Mississippi – Meredith will draw in the KKK and JFK – and trigger the largest number of troops ever deployed for a single disturbance on US soil. Across 10 episodes and with US public radio journalist Jenn White as our guide - James Meredith takes us from his childhood in rural Mississippi where racism runs deep – to a pivotal flashpoint in US civil rights history that will be described as the last battle of the American Civil War. This could be our last opportunity to hear James Meredith tell this story in his own words and in a way that's never been heard before. Episode Three: Rules of Engagement As the civil rights movement shakes up Mississippi and other states across the south - Meredith embarks on a fierce legal battle. Presenter: Jenn White Producer: Conor Garrett Editor: Philip Sellars Production Co-ordinator: Anne Smith Audio Engineer: Gary Bawden Original Music Score: Ashley Beedle and Darren Morris. Recorded @ North Street West Archive reproduced with the kind permission of: The Mississippi Department of Archives and History, Mississippi State University, JFK Library, Getty Images, Huntley Film Archives, British Pathé Ltd, F.I.L.M Archives, Efootage, Historic Films, The Clarion Ledger – USA Today Network. With special thanks to the University of Mississippi.

    14 min

  9. 03/13/2023

    2. JFK and the Boogeyman

    This is the explosive inside story of James Meredith's battle to smash the system of white supremacy in the most racially segregated state in 1960s America. By becoming the first black person to apply to the all-white university of Mississippi – Meredith will draw in the KKK and JFK – and trigger the largest number of troops ever deployed for a single disturbance on US soil. Across 10 episodes and with US public radio journalist Jenn White as our guide - James Meredith takes us from his childhood in rural Mississippi where racism runs deep – to a pivotal flashpoint in US civil rights history that will be described as the last battle of the American Civil War. This could be our last opportunity to hear James Meredith tell this story in his own words and in a way that's never been heard before. Episode Two: JFK and the Boogeyman After serving nine years in the military, James Meredith has conceived a masterplan and is prepared to risk his life on it. Presenter: Jenn White Producer: Conor Garrett Editor: Philip Sellars Production Co-ordinator: Anne Smith Audio Engineer: Gary Bawden Original Music Score: Ashley Beedle and Darren Morris. Recorded @ North Street West Archive reproduced with the kind permission of: The Mississippi Department of Archives and History, Mississippi State University, JFK Library, Getty Images, Huntley Film Archives, British Pathé Ltd, F.I.L.M Archives, Efootage, Historic Films, The Clarion Ledger – USA Today Network. With special thanks to the University of Mississippi.

    15 min

  10. 03/13/2023

    1. Divine Destiny

    This is the explosive inside story of James Meredith's battle to smash the system of white supremacy in the most racially segregated state in 1960s America. By becoming the first black person to apply to the all-white university of Mississippi – Meredith will draw in the KKK and JFK – and trigger the largest number of troops ever deployed for a single disturbance on US soil. Across 10 episodes and with US public radio journalist Jenn White as our guide - James Meredith takes us from his childhood in rural Mississippi where racism runs deep – to a pivotal flashpoint in US civil rights history that will be described as the last battle of the American Civil War. This could be our last opportunity to hear James Meredith tell this story in his own words and in a way that's never been heard before. Episode One: Divine Destiny Growing up in segregated Mississippi under Jim Crow laws - James Meredith's father tells his son he has a special responsibility in life. Presenter: Jenn White Producer: Conor Garrett Editor: Philip Sellars Original Music Score: Ashley Beedle and Darren Morris. Recorded @ North Street West Audio Engineer: Gary Bawden With special thanks to the University of Mississippi.

    15 min

  11. 03/06/2023

    Introducing 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.

    3 min
  • 11 Episodes

4.9
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

This is the explosive inside story of James Meredith's battle to smash the system of white supremacy in the most racially segregated state in 1960s America. By becoming the first black person to apply to the all-white university of Mississippi - Meredith will draw in the KKK and JFK - and trigger the largest number of troops ever deployed for a single disturbance on US soil. Across 10 episodes and with US public radio journalist Jenn White as our guide - James Meredith takes us from his childhood in rural Mississippi where racism runs deep - to a pivotal flashpoint in US civil rights history that will be described as the last battle of the American Civil War. This could be our last opportunity to hear James Meredith tell this story in his own words and in a way that's never been heard before.

Information

  • Creator
    BBC Radio 4
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © (C) BBC 2023
  • Show Website
    Breaking Mississippi

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