Trial Reenactment: Constance Baker Motley, James Meredith, and the University of Mississippi

In 1961, James Meredith applied for admission to the University of Mississippi. Although he was qualified, he was rejected — Meredith was black, and the University had never admitted a black student. Represented by Constance Baker Motley and the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Meredith sued in federal court in Mississippi, alleging that the University denied him admission because of his race.

In this reenactment, we tell the story of Constance Baker Motley and James Meredith and their battle with Ole Miss, based on court transcripts and other writings.

This presentation on February 12, 2018 was a collaboration among the New York City Bar Association, the Asian American Bar Association of New York, and the Metropolitan Black Bar Association, and features narration by Judge Denny Chin and Kathy Hirata Chin and a cast that includes Hon. William F. Kuntz and Hon. Margo Brodie, United States District Court Judges, Eastern District of New York and members of the co-sponsoring associations.

Co-Sponsoring Organizations:
The Asian American Bar Association of New York
The Metropolitan Black Bar Association

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS