09/21/2006

OXFORD, Miss. - Students at the University of Mississippi have taken the lead in planning events to celebrate diversity during the week leading up to Oct. 1 dedication of the civil rights monument. The monument features a bronze statue of James Meredith, the first black student admitted to the university.

The 2:30 p.m. dedication at the monument site, in the grassy area between the Lyceum and John D. Williams Library, features a keynote address by U.S. Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga.. UM invites the Ole Miss and Oxford community to come together for an afternoon of music, reflection and celebration.

Thomas Wallace, vice chancellor for student life, praised the students for their role in planning the events. "I am thrilled about the initiative taken by our student leaders," Wallace said. "They have planned all the activities during the week leading up to the Civil Rights Monument dedication, and their hard work has brought all of this to fruition."

On Sunday (Sept. 24), the communitywide program "A Celebration of Faith: Celebrating 44 Years of Diversity in Mississippi in Higher Education" takes place at 6 p.m. on the Grove Stage. (Rain location is the Union Lobby.) Marcia Cole, adjunct assistant professor of legal studies, gives the welcome, and songs are to be performed by members of Second Baptist, North Oxford Baptist and Clear Creek MB churches.

On Monday (Sept. 25), unveiling of the Student Life Mural in the Union Lobby is set for noon . The four 4-by-8-foot panels depict changes in diversity spanning from UM's founding in 1848 to the present. The murals were created by Oxford High School art teacher Brad Bernard and OHS students.

"The murals are a celebration of diversity and a true testament to the events that have happened since the university's founding," said Jennifer Taylor, director of campus programming.

Also on Monday, a panel discussion addresses the community and campus climate during the time leading up to and immediately following the university's integration. "Them Becoming Us: Reliving the Integration of Mississippi Higher Education" begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Turner Center Auditorium. Panelists include UM's Gerald Walton, provost emeritus; Kenneth Wooten, registrar and admissions dean emeritus; David Sansing, professor emeritus of history; and Curtis Wilkie, Cook Chair and associate professor of journalism; and the Rev. Arthur Herrod, a retired pastor who was instrumental in encouraging blacks to vote in the Oxford and Lafayette County community.

The film "Mission in Mississippi" is scheduled to be shown at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday (Sept. 26) in the Ford Center for Performing Arts. Facilitated by Jeff Jackson, it presents footage of James Meredith's first day at Ole Miss.

At 7 a.m. Wednesday (Sept. 27), beginning at the Lyceum steps, Chancellor Robert Khayat and Ellen Meacham, instructor in journalism, host and lead "A Walk in the Shoes of the Mississippi Civil Rights Movement." They plan to discuss significant events that occurred on the UM campus during the civil rights era and the integration of higher education in the state.

Later that day, at 6 p.m. in Barnard Observatory, Sidna Brower Mitchell discusses her life as editor of UM's student-run newspaper The Daily Mississippian during integration. She will speak about her reasons for writing the editorial criticizing reaction of the general student body on the day Meredith enrolled and relate her feelings regarding her censorship.

A social at 6 p.m. Thursday (Sept. 28) in Johnson Commons Ballroom honors current African-American faculty for their contributions to higher education and their daily commitment to success, achievement and growth of UM students. Junior Sydney McGaha of Tupelo and senior Philip Boler of Belzoni give the welcome, and Derek Horne, associate athletics director, offers remarks.

Student leaders are treated to a breakfast Friday morning in the Lyceum, with guest John Joseph, former ASB president. He plans to discuss student-led efforts toward social integration during his term.

At 4 p.m. Friday (Sept. 29) in the Ford Center, the program "Ole Miss Firsts" honors several African Americans who became the first of their race to achieve certain milestones at the university. Administrators, faculty, students and members of the community are given the opportunity to show their appreciation to these special individuals who demonstrated courage, leadership and achievement as part of the Ole Miss family. A reception follows the program.

On Saturday, Sept. 30, tailgating in the Grove for students and alumni begins several hours before the Ole Miss-Georgia football game. Sponsors are the ASB Department of Diversity Affairs and Student Involvement, Black Student Union, National Panhellenic Council, IMAGE, Gospel Choir and other student organizations.

Other principals in the Oct. 1 monument dedication program are the Rev. Leroy Wadlington, pastor of Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church in Indianapolis; actor Morgan Freeman; Gov. Haley Barbour; Chancellor Robert Khayat; and members of the Meredith family. Music is to be provided by the UM Concert Singers, Gospel Choir and Combined Choirs. A reception follows the ceremony.

For more information call 662-915-7705 or go to

http://www.olemiss.edu/calendar.