Michael Baker

Jour 271

October 4, 2012

Word Count 499

Information Integration Week Wrap Up

                Oxford, Miss. – Today, Ole Miss Student body got a chance to familiarize themselves with a most interesting group of faculty members and former students during the beginning of the integration period on campus. The speakers each were allotted 15 min each to summarize what significant events and memories played a part during the time the school went through integration.

                Valerie Ross, assistant dean of students for multicultural affairs and volunteer services, Donald Cole a former math professor, Gerald Walton another former professor, and Dr. David Sansing administrator on campus made up the panel of speakers.

The facts given by the panel that related to those particular times helped the student body to understand not only the situation Ole Miss came from, but where it is heading.

                “I always hear about the issues and different protests and events that took place way back when but until today I never understood it,” said Teara McGregory, Senior Kinesiology major at Ole Miss. “I wish that these types of things that shed light on the integration situation would be had more often and more publicized.”

                Dr. Sansing emphasized the importance of sitting down in 1973 and saying “what can this school do to make African Americans more welcomed.” Amongst the list were integrated sports teams, black Greek organizations, and African American leadership presence at the top of school administrations. At the time recruitment of African American students and faculty members became a big issue as institutions began competing for them.  Dr. David Sansing also supported the idea that the school has indeed changed its landscape with all the adversity happening today on campus.

                Gerald Walton also made points of some significant African American milestones in Ole Miss history referencing such events as African American Tupelo applicants accepted into the Southern Literary Council and how African American Russ students were cornered in for attending the Howard K Smith speech on the University of Mississippi’s campus.  Gerald Walton concluded his 15 minutes also advocating that the Ole Miss campus has definitely changed but still has strides to make.

                The last speaker Valerie Ross shined some light on the past events as well, rattling off the details of her involvement in the beginning of integration here on campus: Particularly the strides that the Black Student Union has made as an organization. “BSU provided a voice for those who could see but not necessarily speak on racial issues,” said Valerie. Issues of the confederate flag being flown high around campus, and the gospel choir paying out of pocket only to perform at private churches were specific issues Valerie had a hand in helping. She also suggested adding the University name to the front of the gospel choir and risked her job as well. “I knew heat was going to come from somewhere” said Valerie Ross. “It was just one of those things that had to be said and I’m glad I did nowadays.”