By Emily D. Williams

Over 100 people overflowed the Emily Jones Pointer Library meeting room in Como Wednesday as they had gathered to hear  American civil rights movement figure James Meredith. The writer and political activist, famous as the first black student admitted to the University of Mississippi, is currently touring the state, visiting libraries and discussing education. He is also signing copies of his book, “Mission From God: A Memoir and a Challenge for America.”

Como Librarian Alice Pierotti said she jumped at the chance to invite Meredith to speak after she heard about his planned tour of the state.

She contacted Meredith immediately. 

“He answered his phone on the second ring and I asked if he’d like to come to Como and talk to us,”  said Pierotti

“I promised God I would go to every community in Mississippi to talk to leaders about how we can improve the way we raise and train up our children,” Meredith told the Como crowd.

Meredith, born in Koscuisko, graduated with a degree in political science from Ole Miss in 1963.
He wrote an account of his experience, “Three Years in Mississippi,” which was published in 1966. He went on to receive a master’s degree in economics from the University of Ibadan in Nigeria, and a law degree from Columbia University in 1968.

Beverly Findley, longtime community organizer, served as hostess for the event and warmly greeted every guest who came into the library. 

Findley’s mother, Nadie Findley, along with Adelaide Kerney, were early leaders in the Como chapter of the Panola County Voters League and were responsible for encouraging blacks to get registered to vote in Panola County.

Como Alderman Ruby Higgenbottom delivered a proclamation and gave Meredith the key to the city, declaring July 17 “James Meredith Day” in Como.

Higgenbottom asked Meredith, “Do you remember this man?” as she pointed to her father, Sanford Johnson.

Meredith replied, “I don’t know his name but I have been staring at him and his face sure is familiar.”

“He walked with you,” she replied.

Meredith’s face lit up. It must have been 47 years since the two set eyes on each other.

Meredith had organized and led a civil rights march, “The March Against Fear,” from Memphis to Jackson, beginning June 6, 1966. This was his public effort to encourage blacks to register and vote after passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which promised federal enforcement of rights. He hoped to help blacks overcome fear of violence at the polls.

During this march he was shot.

Speaking of his march and being shot in Hernando, Meredith said, “My father said to never start something you cannot finish.”

After recovering, Meredith rejoined the march before it reached Jackson.

Library volunteer Mathew Holloway had welcomed Meredith.

“Familiar with being at the center of conflict, Meredith seems to go through life with calmness and clarity,” Holloway said. “This great American is here today at the Como library to talk to us about ways we can improve American education.  To many here, he will be preaching to the choir.  But I challenge each of us to take his message and energize a person who was not able to be here today.”

Also attending were Panola County Sheriff Dennis Darby and several deputies from the Sheriff’s Department.

The three longtime library volunteers and VISTA Summer Associates Shaquille Conrad, Briana Patton and Mathew Holloway escorted Meredith and his wife Judy to dinner at the Como Steakhouse compliments of Como Friends of the Library. 

The group, along with another former Como library worker, Kimbrely Dandridge, spent a dinner full of delightful conversation with the Merediths. 

“We talked about everything . . . race relations, Ole Miss, birth-5 literacy in Como, our future plans and music,” said Patton.

Downtown business owners Rick and Kay King offered accommodations at the Como Courtyard and were overjoyed Meredith spent the night there.
 
“We set out a bowl of Mississippi homegrown tomatoes thinking he might like that and James Meredith told me his wife loved homegrown tomatoes and I’d just made a friend for life” said proprietor Kay King.

Meredith and his wife, Judy now reside in Jackson.

Partners with the Como Library in hosting the Merediths were: VISTA Summer Associates Conrad, Briana Patton, and Mathew Holloway along with Emily J. Pointer Public Library, CATALYSTs, O.B. McClinton Community Center Foundation, North Panola High School, Friends of the Como Public Library and the Town of Como.