Breaking Mississippi

Other

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

Audiobooks

Podcasts

Factual: History

The explosive inside story of one man's war against racial segregation in the 1960s.

The inside story of James Meredith's war against racial segregation in 1960s America - an explosive flashpoint in civil rights history that draws in both the KKK and JFK.

This is the explosive inside story of James Meredith's battle to smash the system of white supremacy in the most racially segregated state in 1960s America.

By becoming the first black person to apply to the all-white university of Mississippi - Meredith will draw in the KKK and JFK - and trigger the largest number of troops ever deployed for a single disturbance on US soil.

Across 10 episodes and with US public radio journalist Jenn White as our guide - James Meredith takes us from his childhood in rural Mississippi where racism runs deep - to a pivotal flashpoint in US civil rights history that will be described as the last battle of the American Civil War.

This could be our last opportunity to hear James Meredith tell this story in his own words and in a way that's never been heard before.

BBC Radio 4 LW

Breaking Mississippi: 1. Divine Destiny

1. Divine Destiny

BBC Radio 4 - Breaking Mississippi, 1. Divine Destiny

James Meredith's father tells his son he has a special responsibility in life.

Growing up in segregated Mississippi under Jim Crow laws - James Meredith's father tells his son he has a special responsibility in life

This is the explosive inside story of James Meredith's battle to smash the system of white supremacy in the most racially segregated state in 1960s America.

By becoming the first black person to apply to the all-white university of Mississippi – Meredith will draw in the KKK and JFK – and trigger the largest number of troops ever deployed for a single disturbance on US soil.  

Across 10 episodes and with US public radio journalist Jenn White as our guide - James Meredith takes us from his childhood in rural Mississippi where racism runs deep – to a pivotal flashpoint in US civil rights history that will be described as the last battle of the American Civil War.

This could be our last opportunity to hear James Meredith tell this story in his own words and in a way that's never been heard before.  

Episode One:  Divine Destiny

Growing up in segregated Mississippi under Jim Crow laws - James Meredith's father tells his son he has a special responsibility in life.

Presenter:  Jenn White
Producer: Conor Garrett
Editor: Philip Sellars
Original Music Score: Ashley Beedle and Darren Morris.  Recorded @ North Street West
Audio Engineer:  Gary Bawden

With special thanks to the University of Mississippi.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Breaking Mississippi

1. Divine Destiny

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4