EMILY WAGSTER PETTUS | The Greenwood Commonwealth

James Meredith knew he was putting his own life in danger in the 1960s by pursuing what he believes was his mission from God — to conquer white supremacy in the deeply segregated state of Mississippi. Now as he turns 90, Meredith is still talking about his divine mission. (June 26) (AP Video: Emily Wagster Pettus)

AP
registered content - login required to view
Click to register / login

James Meredith risked his life doing civil rights work. At 90, he says religion can help cut crime
By EMILY WAGSTER PETTUS - Associated Press
Mon,06/26/23-1:38PM , 513 Reads
JACKSON, Miss.
READ MORE

Political activist and writer James Meredith sits in the shade as an event staffer holds an ice pack on his head after he fell outside the Mississippi Capitol at an event marking his 90th birthday, in Jackson, Miss., Sunday, June 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

AP
premium content - for subscribers only
Click to subscribe

Civil rights icon James Meredith, 90, falls at Mississippi event but has no visible injuries
By EMILY WAGSTER PETTUS - Associated Press
Sun,06/25/23-5:48PM , 871 Reads
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Civil rights icon James Meredith fell outside the Mississippi Capitol on Sunday at an event marking his 90th birthday, but he suffered no visible injuries and was resting comfortably at home later.
READ MORE

Mississippi Republican Gov. Tate Reeves speaks to his reelection platform before attendees of the Mississippi Press Association annual meeting in Flowood, Miss., Friday, June 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

AP
premium content - for subscribers only
Click to subscribe

Tornadoes clobber Mississippi. Hours later, its governor attends Republican fundraiser in Alabama
By EMILY WAGSTER PETTUS - Associated Press
Tue,06/20/23-4:58PM , 757 Reads
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi Gov.
READ MORE

Mississippi Republican Gov. Tate Reeves speaks to his reelection platform before attendees of the Mississippi Press Association annual meeting in Flowood, Miss., Friday, June 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

AP
registered content - login required to view
Click to register / login

Mississippi GOP governor and Democratic challenger spar over crime, courts and trans care
By EMILY WAGSTER PETTUS - Associated Press
Fri,06/16/23-6:42PM , 1371 Reads
FLOWOOD, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi Republican Gov.
READ MORE

Subscribe to EMILY WAGSTER PETTUS

The E-Edition

Weekend, February 28-01, 2026

Join Those Who Support Local News

Local news matters to Greenwood. It keeps the people informed and connected. It asks the questions they want answered. It elevates what’s good, and it exposes what’s not.

To do that work well takes skilled reporters and editors, as many as a community can support through advertising, subscriptions and philanthropy.

The Greenwood Commonwealth expanded its newsroom in 2025 by adding Gerard Edic as a reporter covering public safety and other stories of interest to the community.

His position is partially funded by a two-year grant from Report for America, a national nonprofit. Generous supporters in the community donated the matching funds in the first year. We are now raising funds for Year 2.

Will you join this effort with a tax-deductible contribution?

Donate