Ross R. Barnett

Ross Robert Barnett (January 22, 1898 – November 6, 1987) was the Democratic Governor of the U.S. state of Mississippi from 1960 to 1964.

Related Topics:
January 22 - 1898 - November 6 - 1987 - Democratic - Governor - U.S. state - Mississippi - 1960 - 1964

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In 1962 Barnett actively opposed James Meredith's efforts to desegregate the University of Mississippi. The following year, he also actively tried to prevent the Mississippi State University basketball team from playing an NCAA Tournament game against the racially integrated team from Loyola of Chicago. The team defied Barnett by sneaking out of the state and playing the game, which they lost to the eventual national champions.

Related Topics:
1962 - James Meredith - Desegregate - University of Mississippi - The following year - Mississippi State University - Basketball - NCAA Tournament - Loyola of Chicago

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Barnett was also notorious for walking past the jury during the 1963 trial of white supremacist Byron De La Beckwith for the murder of African American civil rights activist Medgar Evers. This was widely regarded as an act of intimidation or undue influence intended to facilitate de la Beckwith's acquittal, and considered one reason why the trial resulted in a mistrial as a result of a hung jury. De La Beckwith was however eventually convicted at a subsequent trial over three decades later.

Related Topics:
Jury - Trial - White supremacist - Byron De La Beckwith - Murder - African American - Civil rights - Medgar Evers - Intimidation - Undue influence - Acquittal - Mistrial - Hung jury

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Ross Barnett Reservoir, north of Jackson, Mississippi, is named in his honor.

Related Topics:
Ross Barnett Reservoir - Jackson, Mississippi

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