09/19/2025
The University of Mississippi Unveils Plaque to Honor Black Student Protest
Special to The Truth
The University of Mississippi unveiled a plaque commemorating a 1970 campus protest by Black students at Fulton Chapel. A ceremony was held on Tuesday, Sept. 2, outside Fulton Chapel, where the plaque stands.
The plaque honors the Ole Miss 8, who, on Feb. 24, 1970, presented the Black Student Union’s 27 demands at a peaceful protest against racial discrimination at the university. The students voiced their desires for “inclusivity on campus.”
These eight students, along with several other Black students, were arrested and all eight were also “suspended from the university,” and the other students were “placed on probation,” reads the plaque.
The Ole Miss 8 finished their degrees elsewhere, but in 2020, UM offered a formal apology to the group and presented Linnie Liggins Willis with her diploma, which the university denied her in 1970 despite the fact that she had completed all her required hours.
Linnie Willis’ Remarks for the Unveiling of the Historical Marker at Ole Miss
Good afternoon to everyone. It is truly a pleasure to be back here today. Many years ago I would not have said that but today it is truly a “pleasure.”
First, I would like to give thanks to the Almighty God, who made it possible for me to be here. There are many who could not be present because of various reasons. He blessed me with enough health and strength to return for this day and for that I give Him all the thanks and all the praise.
Thank You To: My Grandmother, My Mom (who is deceased), My Family, especially those who are here with me: my husband, my youngest son, my sister, my niece and my nephew. When I came back in 2020 my husband and I were traveling alone. I brought some backup today. Thanks also to Dr. Boyce, Dr. Wilkin and the staff who were/are members of The Black Power at Ole Miss Task force.
Let us quickly get into “my story.”
I was nearing the completion of my freshman year at Tougaloo College when my grandmother (Ms. Linnie Mae) encouraged me to return home and enroll at Ole Miss. It was difficult to imagine leaving Tougaloo, a warm, welcoming and fun environment with folks who looked like me.
As I contemplated a possible transfer I asked myself what purpose would be served. After serious thought and soul-searching I decided that I could accomplish the following:
1. Continue with my dream to become the first in my family to receive a college degree;
2. Become the first African American from the Oxford community to graduate from Ole Miss;
3. Serve as a role model and recruit other African American students to attend Ole Miss;
4. Pursue graduate studies and become a professional contributing member of the Oxford community and ultimately the University.
With these goals in mind I returned home, enrolled at the University and moved into the dormitory on campus. After having enjoyed an exciting first year college experience at Tougaloo College, I was in for a rude awakening.
The separate, racist atmosphere that permeated the campus did not lend itself to a memorable college experience.
With the exception of a few liberal-minded professors, we only had each other to depend on and to communicate with. For me, one of those professors was Dr. John D. Crews, a professor in the English Department. It was only a few years ago that I learned that Dr. Crews wrote a letter to the University Administration on my behalf.
Fast forward to 1970. By this time we had organized the Black Student Union, which became our “Voice,” and that “Voice” said “enough is enough.” We must speak up and advocate for ourselves and more importantly we needed to bring our concerns to the attention of the University Administration. That “Voice” led to the development of 27 Demands and ultimately to the peaceful, peaceful protest at Fulton Chapel on February 25, 1970.
The memory of how we were treated that evening (transported to the county jail and to the prison at Parchman) and the sacrifices that were made to bring attention to the fact that we were a non-existing population on campus remain with many of us even today. Somehow our demands and our history were suppressed and buried.
At the culmination of the protest, I was identified by the administration as one of the 8 individuals who should be expelled from school. We became known as “The Ole Miss 8.” I was deemed to be a “leader.” Since that time I have purposely tried to lead in a lot of areas, however, at that time it was not true. I was a graduating senior and I completed all required coursework, however, I was not allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony, nor did I receive my diploma. I owe a debt of gratitude to at least three of my professors who advised me that if I completed all of my coursework, I could receive my degree. They further stated that I could still attend their classes and they would not ask me to leave.
Fifty years later, we were invited back to the University for the beginning of the University’s attempt at Repair, Reconciliation and Relationship Building. We all owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. Garrett Felber, who discovered our history and who compelled the Administration to begin the process of righting the wrongs of the past and ensuring that the history of the Ole Miss 8/81 would become an integral part of the vast history of this University.
Thank you Dr. Felber for returning to share this incredible experience with us today.
In 2020 when I was trying to decide if I wanted to return for the 50-year recognition of the protest I received a phone call from Dr. Wilkin. It was a Sunday afternoon and the family was having dinner at our favorite Soul Food Restaurant. When I answered the call he identified himself and he promised that if I would return he would personally present my diploma. That promise had a profound impact on my decision to return.
As a follow up to our return to campus Dr. Boyce and Dr. Wilkin established The Black Power at Ole Miss Task Force to seek ways and opportunities to reconnect and acknowledge the positive contributions we made that resulted in meaningful change at the University. I was asked by Dr. Shawnboda Mead to participate with the Task Force with the thought that this could possibly assist me in reckoning with the tremendous hurt, anger and disappointment that had resonated in my spirit for 50 years. As with the Black Student Union, The Task Force identified “asks” from the University to aid in the reckoning and repair process.
I am pleased to report that eight full scholarships are now being awarded, specifically recognizing the “Ole Miss 8.” We are awaiting the completion of a commemorative walkway leading to Longstreet Hall, to include the names of the 8/81. Dr. Ralph Eubanks has been commissioned to compile the oral and written histories of those who are willing to participate.
I must acknowledge that the University, over the years, has made every effort to bring to fruition the 27 Demands that we presented in 1970. All of the students, not just African American are currently benefitting from a more diverse, inclusive student population.
Finally, it is with a great sense of pride that I stand here today awaiting the unveiling of the Mississippi Freedom Trail Marker, which will enshrine the history and collective impact of the OleMiss8/81 into the fabric of this institution in perpetuity.
At church on Sunday, someone sang “A Change Is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke. At the Luncheon today that same song was playing in the background. I say to you today that “A Change Has Come.”
After 55 years of denial and wandering aimlessly in the wilderness, today I embrace and acknowledge that I indeed have an Alma Mater and it is the University of Mississippi.
September 2, 2025
