James Meredith speaks at the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Arts Center

Famed Civil Rights activist James Meredith made an appearance at the Mary C. in Ocean Springs over the weekend for the closing reception of Suzi Altman’s exhibit.

The exhibit is called “I’m Still Here: Documenting James Meredith,’ and Meredith greeted attendees with a book signing.

While viewing the exhibit, guests had the opportunity to meet with Meredith, purchase books from his collection, and receive his autograph.

Mayor Kenny Holloway also presented the Civil Rights leader with a proclamation, marking that Meredith was the first black man to attend Ole Miss and is noted for leading the 1966 ‘March against Fear’ from Memphis to Jackson.

Despite Meredith’s many accolades, he says he wants to be remembered most for his faith in God. “People ask what do you want to be known as when you die, when you’re gone, and it’s very simple. When people think of the name James Meredith, I want them to think of the Ten Commandments and the Golden Rule.”