Meredith was born in Kosciusko, Mississippi of Native American (Choctaw) and Black American heritage. He enlisted in the United States Air Force right out of high school and served from 1951 to 1960. He then attended Jackson State College for two years. He applied to the University of Mississippi, but was denied twice. James Meredith walking to class at the University of Mississippi, accompanied by Chief Marshal James J. P. McShane on his l...