Fifty years ago today, on October 1, 1962, James Meredith walked on the University of Mississippi campus as the first African-American student to ever be enrolled at the formerly segregated school.
His actions, supported by the Supreme Court and President Kennedy, dealt a powerful blow to the segregationist state and nudged our government into actually backing up United State law.
I'm sure it was terrifying and exhilarating, confusing and lonely. The President sent in over 30,000 troops to stop the fracas that left two people dead and seriously injured over 200 law enforcement when all was said and done.
What strikes me about it, was that he walked in. With all those people trying to hurt him and each other, with all those National Guard troops that could've whisked him inside on a scooter, pulled a car right up to the door, or even carried him like the Secret Service does when someone's trying to kill the President in a parking garage at the U.N.. What? Oh, well, I saw it in a movie!
No, James Meredith walked as he made history, because there is dignity in walking. When we read "she tossed her hair and walked out of the room", we're glad she didn't tangle with us! If she slouched, crawled or ran out...well, good riddance. Glad the little creep is gone!
And do people drive on Washington, or do they march on Washington?
Walking is our God-given way of moving ourselves from one place to another, while depending on nothing and no one. Enjoy it every day, and as I like to say:
Walk today so you can tomorrow.
Walk with dignity,
Dani
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