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Reflector Collection, 1965-1975

This collection includes articles and images from the Reflector, Mississippi State University’s student newspaper. This collection ranges from 1965-1975 and represents the first ten years after integration at MSU. The collection includes articles highlighting MSU Black student organizations, efforts to recruit students and faculty of color, MSU’s first Black student athletes, and notable speakers on campus.

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Newspaper article, Afro-American Studies Promoto Better Racial Understanding, October 8, 1968

The Reflector

In this newspaper article, the writer noted that Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination spurred professors across the United States to incorporate Black studies in their curriculae. White and Black professors and students considered the integration of scholars like W.E.B. DuBois and Malcolm X as part of the larger Civil Rights struggle to end segregation.
Newspaper Article, Basketball Magicians Trot to State, December 17, 1968

The Reflector

This article announced the Harlem Globetrotter's scheduled appearance at Mississippi State University. The writer described the team as American cultural diplomats, whose members represented the United States in countries like Germany, Greece, and the Eastern Bloc countries.
Newspaper Article, Choir, Minister, Musician Highlight YMCA Activities, March 22, 1968

The Reflector

In this article, the YMCA presented the Mary Holmes Choir to the students at Mississippi State University. The YMCA will also have Dr. George Emery, a Methodist minister, give a speech on "ESP, LSD and Thee" to the students.
Newspaper Article, Civil Rights Fighters Check Campuses for Bias, September 13, 1968

The Reflector

In this article, the U.S. Office for Civil rights investigate campuses to make sure that they are in compliance with civil rights laws. The investigations are focused on making sure that administrations of predominately white universities do not bend to demands of Black student protestors if they violate civil rights laws.
Newspaper article, 'Double Dynamic' Duo Set for Soul Sound, October 15, 1968

The Reflector

This article is a brief background of soul music group, Sam and Dave. The author summarized the hope that Sam and Dave would appeal to a broad swath of Mississippi State students despite the tense statewide atmosphere surrounding segregation and the Civil Rights push for desegregation.
Newspaper Article, Editorial Comment, May 14, 1968

The Reflector

This newspaper article discusses the concerns brought out regarding the Urban Renewal project because of the community worrying about the neighborhood's social lives and the breaking of neighborhoods.
Newspaper Article, MSU Reacts to King's Death, April 9, 1968

The Reflector

This article displays the community and campus-wide responses in reaction to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's death. Students gathered for a silent vigil Friday afternoon, townspeople and students met in the Chapel of Memories for a memorial service, and the flag on the Drill Field was flown at half-mast for several days. Photographs of the events are included.
Newspaper Article, Plans Completed For SA Forum '68, April 19, 1968

The Reflector

In this article, the MSU Student Association announced "Mississippi Forum '68". Featured speakers included Charles Evers, Attorney General Joe T. Patterson, State Senator William Burgin Jr. and Hodding Cart III.
Newspaper Article, Racial Situation Topic of FDP Leader's Speech, December 17, 1968

The Reflector

In this article, Eddie Washington invited students to attend Hamer's talk on Black American civil rights at Lee Hall Auditorium. The writer listed some of Hamer's political accomplishments, namely her 1964 run for Congress as a member of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party. Her appearance and talk on civil rights was described as a matter of universal interest and importance.
Newspaper Article, Racial Tension Prompts Early Ole Miss Dismissal, April 9, 1968

The Reflector

In this article, University of Mississippi dismisses classes early because of the racial tension between black and white students. It also notes that many Black students and a few white students met in Oxford's Square for a memorial service honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Newspaper article, Ray Charles in Concert Thursday, November 19, 1968

The Reflector

This article gives a short biography of Ray Charles. The writer described Charles's difficult education in a school for the blind and the discouragement he faced from early teachers who criticized his musical abilities. As a professional musician, Charles earned gold records and lived with his family in California.
Newspaper Article, [redacted] Athletes Known For Performances Only, March 26, 1968

The Reflector

In this article, several Black student athletes of the University of Pittsburg remark on the treatment and status of the Black athletes on campus. They recount their experiences and give their viewpoints on the matter.
Newspaper Article, [redacted] Experience Hostility, Boosts Progress at Ole Miss, March 26, 1968

The Reflector

In this article, Black students explain the discrimination they faced on and off the campus of Ole Miss. They mention how both the instructors and students of the University discriminate against them. They also talk about violent onslaughts they have faced from the white community.
Newspaper article, SA Series Features Ray Charles, November 12, 1968

The Reflector

In this newspaper article, Student Association announces a Ray Charles concert at Mississippi State University.
Newspaper article, Soul Sound Set for Student Concert, October 8, 1968

The Reflector

This newspaper article discusses Mississippi State University Social Affairs Committee booking of soul singers, Sam and Dave, for an October show at Mississippi State's Animal Husbandry building.
Newspaper article, Speaker Conflict has Active Recent History, October 15, 1968

The Reflector

This article contextualized the conflict over speakers at Mississippi universities. A 1966 ruling shifted the onus for acceptance or rejection of a speaker from the university president to the Board of Trustees.
Newspaper article, State Signs Second [redacted] Athlete, December 17, 1968

The Reflector

In this article, the writer noted that Robert Bell, a student from Meridian, was the second Black athlete to attend on a scholarship.
Newspaper article, Want Ads…, April 1, 1968

The Reflector

In this article, want ads are displayed. One reads that someone has lost a black umbrella, another is looking for information leading to the capture of Archie McKee in Minah City, Mississippi, and in the last someone with the name Frank is waiting for another person named Jack to return home.
Newspaper Article, Y Coffeehouse, March 22, 1968

The Reflector

In this article, the life of Malcolm X, Black Muslim leader, will be shown in the Y Coffeehouse film, "Struggle for Freedom". A group discussion comes after the movie.
Newspaper Photograph, Mary Holmes Choir, March 26, 1968

The Reflector

This newspaper photograph features the Mary Holmes choir standing in front of the Chapel of Memories on the Mississippi State University Campus. The caption beneath the photo states that the choir, under the direction of Dr. Clarence Simmons, presented a program of music at the Chapel of Memories.
Newspaper Photograph, "Poppa Rock", may 7, 1968

The Reflector

This newspaper photograph features Wade Graves, a radio host of Jackson radio station WOKJ. The caption informs that Graves will be the master of ceremonies at the upcoming Fifth Dimension and American Breed concert.
Newspaper Photograph, To be Removed?, May 10, 1968

The Reflector

This newspaper image displays a small, wooden house with children on the porch and in the front yard. The caption states that the house shown is representative of ones that may be torn down if the Urban Renewal Project by Starkville is completed.
Newspaper Survey, Suggested Groups for Student Association Concerts, May 10, 1968

The Reflector

This checklist asks students to pick five groups for concerts and number them in order of their preference and return to student information desk.
Letter to the Editor, [redacted] Athletes May Bring Victory, September 24, 1968

Gary Weatherly

In this letter, Weatherly discusses the lack of involvement of Black student football players, arguing that their inclusion would lead to a victory. The letter argues for why their programs should recruit black athletes.
Newspaper Article, Scott Free, April 19, 1968

Scott Wendelsdorf

In this editorial, the conflict during the services for Dr. Martin Luther King concerns students and raises the issue of the university condoning racism through its inaction.