B H This Day in Black History

September 30

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September 30, 1962

James Meredith Integrates University of Mississippi

On September 30, 1962, James Meredith became the first African American student admitted to the University of Mississippi, sparking violent riots on campus. President Kennedy deployed federal troops to ensure Meredith's enrollment and safety.

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People: James Meredith, John F. Kennedy
September 30, 1919

Elaine Massacre

On September 30, 1919, during the Red Summer, white mobs descended on Elaine, Arkansas, after Black sharecroppers organized to demand fair pay. The ensuing violence killed an estimated 100 to 237 Black people. Twelve Black men were sentenced to death, but the NAACP won their release.

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Sources
1. The Elaine Massacre of 1919 - Arkansas History Commission2. The Elaine Massacre - Smithsonian Magazine

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