Araminta Stone Johnston
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- March 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781604738285
- eISBN:
- 9781604738292
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- University Press of Mississippi
- DOI:
- 10.14325/mississippi/9781604738285.001.0001
- Subject:
- History, American History: 20th Century
The story of the civil rights movement is not simply the history of its major players but is also the stories of a host of lesser-known individuals whose actions were essential to the movement’s ...
More
The story of the civil rights movement is not simply the history of its major players but is also the stories of a host of lesser-known individuals whose actions were essential to the movement’s successes. Duncan M. Gray Jr., an Episcopal priest who served various Mississippi parishes between 1953 and 1974, when he was elected bishop of Mississippi, is one of these individuals. This book is his story. From one perspective, Gray (b. 1926) would seem an unlikely spokesman for racial equality and reconciliation. He could have been content simply to become a member of the white, male Mississippi “club.” Gray could have embraced a comfortable life and ignored the burning realities around him. But he chose instead to use his priesthood to speak in unpopular but prophetic support of justice and equality for African Americans. From his student days at the seminary at the University of the South, to his first church in Cleveland, Mississippi, and most famously to St. Peter’s Parish in Oxford, where he confronted rioters in 1962, Gray steadfastly and fearlessly fought the status quo. He continued to work for racial reconciliation, inside and outside of the church, throughout his life. This biography tells not only Gray’s story, but also reveals the times and people that helped make him. The book’s question is “What makes a good person?” The book suggests there is much to learn from Gray’s choices and his struggle.Less
The story of the civil rights movement is not simply the history of its major players but is also the stories of a host of lesser-known individuals whose actions were essential to the movement’s successes. Duncan M. Gray Jr., an Episcopal priest who served various Mississippi parishes between 1953 and 1974, when he was elected bishop of Mississippi, is one of these individuals. This book is his story. From one perspective, Gray (b. 1926) would seem an unlikely spokesman for racial equality and reconciliation. He could have been content simply to become a member of the white, male Mississippi “club.” Gray could have embraced a comfortable life and ignored the burning realities around him. But he chose instead to use his priesthood to speak in unpopular but prophetic support of justice and equality for African Americans. From his student days at the seminary at the University of the South, to his first church in Cleveland, Mississippi, and most famously to St. Peter’s Parish in Oxford, where he confronted rioters in 1962, Gray steadfastly and fearlessly fought the status quo. He continued to work for racial reconciliation, inside and outside of the church, throughout his life. This biography tells not only Gray’s story, but also reveals the times and people that helped make him. The book’s question is “What makes a good person?” The book suggests there is much to learn from Gray’s choices and his struggle.
Araminta Stone Johnston
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- March 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781604738285
- eISBN:
- 9781604738292
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Mississippi
- DOI:
- 10.14325/mississippi/9781604738285.003.0001
- Subject:
- History, American History: 20th Century
This chapter describes the struggle of James H. Meredith, an Air Force veteran, Mississippi native, to gain admission to the University of Mississippi; the civil rights activities of Rev. Duncan M. ...
More
This chapter describes the struggle of James H. Meredith, an Air Force veteran, Mississippi native, to gain admission to the University of Mississippi; the civil rights activities of Rev. Duncan M. Gray Jr; his efforts to help the community prepare for Meredith’s arrival; and his confrontation with former Major General Edwin Walker at the University of Mississippi campus as the latter was called on supporters to resist the admission of the first African American student—James H. Meredith.Less
This chapter describes the struggle of James H. Meredith, an Air Force veteran, Mississippi native, to gain admission to the University of Mississippi; the civil rights activities of Rev. Duncan M. Gray Jr; his efforts to help the community prepare for Meredith’s arrival; and his confrontation with former Major General Edwin Walker at the University of Mississippi campus as the latter was called on supporters to resist the admission of the first African American student—James H. Meredith.
Araminta Stone Johnston
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- March 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781604738285
- eISBN:
- 9781604738292
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Mississippi
- DOI:
- 10.14325/mississippi/9781604738285.003.0002
- Subject:
- History, American History: 20th Century
This chapter describes James Meredith’s several attempts to register at the University of Mississippi; the violence that surrounded these attempts; and Gray’s efforts to discourage the violence.
This chapter describes James Meredith’s several attempts to register at the University of Mississippi; the violence that surrounded these attempts; and Gray’s efforts to discourage the violence.
