When James Meredith stepped onto the University of Mississippi's campus, he ignited a firestorm of controversy. The grandson of a former slave, Meredith was determined to shatter the university's segregationist policies, becoming the first African American student to enroll. Despite Gov. Ross Barnett's fervent opposition, Meredith persisted, facing protests, riots, and even a violent backlash from white supremacists. Ultimately, Kennedy deployed federal troops to ensure Meredith's safety, marking a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement.