By Rita Howell

Mississippi civil rights activist James Meredith will speak at the Emily J. Pointer Public Library in Como Wednesday, July 17 at 4 p.m. Meredith has embarked on a speaking tour of libraries across the state, offering to come to every one, to discuss education.

He accepted the invitation of Como librarian Alice Pierotti last week.

Meredith will be speaking earlier that day at the Hernando Library.

James Meredith was the first African American student admitted to the University of Mississippi. His admission in the fall of 1962, coerced by the Kennedy administration, was accompanied by protests and violence on the campus.

He graduated from the university in 1963 with a degree in political science. He is a writer and political advisor and makes his home in Jackson.

Helping to organize the visit to the Como Library are a trio of VISTA Summer Associates, Como teens Shaquille Conrad, Briana Patton and Mathew Holloway, who will serve as hosts to Meredith.

Other groups helping host the visit are: CATALYSTs,  O.B. McClinton Community Center Founcation, North Panola High School, Friends of the Como Public Library and the Town of Como.

The events at the library on July 17 will include: a Summer Reading Program by Terrence Roberts, “Da StoryWeaver,” at 2 p.m.; an artist’s reception for Quindarious Lark at 3 p.m.; Meredith’s talk and booksigning at 4 p.m.

In offering to visit Mississippi’s public libraries, Meredith said, “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. Will you help me to keep this commitment?”

Seating for Meredith’s talk will be limited. For information, call the library at 526-5283.