In this photograph, civil rights advocate James Meredith sustains gunshot wounds to his head, back, and neck when he is unexpectedly targeted by a sniper during his leadership of a demonstration aimed at raising awareness about racism. Here is an account of Meredith's experience:

Meredith, a former air force pilot, made history in 1962 as the first African American man admitted to the University of Mississippi. Although initially accepted, his admission was later revoked upon the discovery of his race. Following a legal battle, the US Court ruled in favor of Meredith, granting him access to the institution. Due to the high level of threat from racist individuals in the area, Meredith received police escort on his first day at the university.

In 1966, Meredith initiated a solo initiative known as the "March Against Fear" with the goal of shedding light on racism and encouraging African Americans to vote for politicians supporting their rights in the upcoming elections. Spanning a distance of 220 miles, the march commenced on June 5th.

On June 6th, while crossing the Mississippi border, Meredith was ambushed by Aubrey Novell, a white individual. Novell fired at Meredith from a wooded area, inflicting three gunshot wounds. Despite the presence of police and FBI monitoring the march, the attack transpired.

Fortunately, Meredith survived the assault, and on June 26th, Martin Luther King Jr., along with other activists and thousands of participants, assumed control of and completed the march, with Meredith rejoining them shortly before its conclusion. Throughout the course of the march, the group faced hostility, harassment, and threats from both civilians and law enforcement personnel.

Aubrey Novell was found guilty of assault and served a mere two-year prison sentence.

Today, at the age of 89, James Meredith continues to be alive.