Please, Mr. Wallace (1962-1963)
Pieces in this section were written from around the time James Meredith desegregated the University of Mississippi to the integration of the University of Alabama by James Hood and Vivian Malone. Many concern the role of George Wallace in shaping the local discourse about race and integration.
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Please, Mr. Wallace
July 26, 1962
Written after the victory of George Wallace in the Democratic party primary for governor of Alabama; with no Republican opposing him, he was virtually guaranteed to win the general election. It addresses Wallace's campaign promises, imagines what would happen if he took this "stand," and implores him to bring about his aims without violence, for the sake of the state's reputation.
A Bell Rang...
September 27, 1962
Written around the time of the integration of the University of Mississippi by James Meredith and the riots that followed, it reflects on the initial success of the Mississippi governor in keeping Meredith out, viewing it as a dangerous precedent.
Editorial Responsibility
October 11, 1962
A followup to "A Bell Rang," it discusses negative reactions to the previous piece and the responsibility of editors in publishing editorials.
54°40' or Fight
October 25, 1962
Written after the resolution of the riots that took place at the University of Mississippi over the enrollment of Black student James Meredith, it criticizes Alabama's governor-elect, George Wallace, for his confrontational approach to resisting integration, particularly his calling on the state police for support.
A Mature Movement
November 15, 1962
Written after the riots at the University of Mississippi at its integration, it urges Alabama to learn from this and prepare to meet future integration attempts without violence, which will require strong, mature leadership.
An Apparent Contrast
January 17, 1963
Written after the inauguration of Alabama's new attorney general, Richmond Flowers, and its new governor, George Wallace, it contrasts the men's attitudes regarding the potential integration of Alabama schools.
A Harvest of Hostility
May 9, 1963
Written in the aftermath of a period of nationally prominent civil rights protesting and race-related rioting in Birmingham, it observes that one of the problems of race relations is viewing things in terms of extremes. While it argues that change is inevitable, it rejects the speed of change and warns that agitation brings negative consequences.
"In Human Probability..."
June 13 1963
Written two days after Gov. George Wallace's unsuccessful attempt to prevent two Black students, Vivian Malone and James Hood, from enrolling at the University of Alabama, it contrasts Wallace with U.S. President John F. Kennedy, driving the opposition against these actions, and praises each for doing what he felt was right.