Ep 4. Ghosts of Ole Miss (Fritz Mitchell)

In the fourth episode of season two of ESPN's critically acclaimed "30 For 30" series, filmmaker Fritz Mitchell takes us on a journey through the tumultuous events surrounding the integration of the University of Mississippi in 1962. The episode, titled "Ghosts of Ole Miss," explores the intersection of college football, race relations, and politics during a momentous time in American history.

At the heart of the film is the story of James Meredith, the first African American student to enroll at the University of Mississippi. Meredith's admission to the all-white institution sparked violent protests and riots on campus, leading to President John F. Kennedy to send in federal troops to restore order. His enrollment also had far-reaching implications for the state of Mississippi and the Civil Rights Movement as a whole.

"Ghosts of Ole Miss" focuses on the role that the University of Mississippi's football team played in these events. Head coach Johnny Vaught was a legendary figure in college football, known for his strict discipline and emphasis on team unity. His team was considered one of the best in the country, with many fans and boosters hoping for a national championship.

However, the integration of the university put the football team in a difficult position. The players faced pressure from their fans and alumni to maintain the status quo, while also being exposed to the realities of racism and violence. Despite this tension, the team ultimately decided to play their scheduled game against the University of Kentucky, which had also integrated their football team.

Through interviews with former players and coaches, as well as archival footage and photographs, "Ghosts of Ole Miss" examines the experiences of both the black and white players on the team. The film also delves into the ways in which the football program was used as a symbol of the state's resistance to integration, as well as the role that the media played in shaping public opinion about the events unfolding in Mississippi.

In addition to exploring the integration of the University of Mississippi, "Ghosts of Ole Miss" also touches on the broader cultural and political forces at play during this era. The Civil Rights Movement, the Kennedy administration, and the Cold War all loom large in the background of the story, providing context for the events that unfold onscreen.

Overall, "Ghosts of Ole Miss" is a powerful and nuanced exploration of a pivotal moment in American history. By examining the intersection of college football, politics, and race relations in the Deep South, the film illuminates the complexity of this era in a way that is both illuminating and moving.