The evening had finally arrived when Barack Obama and John McCain would faceoff and articulate to the people of America who will best serve the interests of the country and the people who live here. John McCain attempted to suspend his campaign and reschedule the debate because of the Economic Crisis that the United States is going through much to the dismay of the Debate organizers at the University of Mississippi.

With all of this political hoopla a historic moment is being missed with the University of Mississippi being the backdrop for tonight’s debate where an African American man is running for the Presidency of the United States on a major ticket of one of country’s two largest parties platform.

The University of Mississippi affectionatley known as Ole Miss has other historic moments that have been neglected this week in our quest for a President. In 1962 The University of Mississippi was also the site of blatant racism and Sounther whites taking horrific measures to combat integration into Ole Miss.

The University of Mississippi was also the site of rioting during desegregation, when James Meredith of Kosciusko, Mississippi, attempted to enroll in the school to become the university’s first black student. Thousands of students and citizens from the surrounding area, a number of whom were armed, swarmed the campus on September 30, 1962 in a riotous effort to prevent Meredith’s enrollment. Meredith, thanks to the protection afforded by federal marshals, was able to enroll and attend his first class on October 2. Two people died during the race riots on campus. Following the riot, elements of an Army National Guard division were stationed in Oxford to subdue future riots. While most Ole Miss students did not riot prior to his official enrollment in the university, many harassed Meredith during his first two semesters on campus.

Without the struggle of James Meridith, Barack Obama would not be able to have stood on that stage one week ago this past Friday. It’s important that we pay our respects to the men and women who trailblazed through this country with hopes that one day Barack Obama could be in the position that he is.

Actor Morgan Freeman was in a car wreck this past Sunday evening where his car flipped over repeatedly close to his home in Northern Mississippi. Media outlets are reporting that he is in serious condition yet his spirits are high. By the grace of God was his vehicle allowed to flip numerous times and have this man still alive on this earth. We should all pray for his speedy recovery and ask that God give his family the strength to get through this ordeal.