
A graduate of the University of Mississippi and Duke Divinity School, CJ is one of this nation’s emerging leaders
On Tuesday, Febuary 5, Rev. C. Edward “CJ” Rhodes II will present the keynote address at the Black History Month Kickoff event. The UM Gospel Choir will perform for the kickoff at noon at the Student Union Lobby. The son of famed civil rights attorney Carroll Rhodes Sr., he is the youngest pastor of Mount Helm Baptist Church, the capital city’s oldest historically black congregation.
Prior to graduating from the University of Mississippi with a B.A. in philosophy, Rhodes worked closely with the William Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation. He continued his education at Duke Divinity School, where he served as vice president of the Black Seminarians Union in Raleigh, N.C.
Now ordained, Rhodes serves on the boards of the Urban League of Greater Jackson, Center for Ministry and Mississippi Religious Leadership Conference, and is former president of the Farish Street/Main Street Project. The recipient of numerous awards and recognitions, he also serves as host of “The CJ Rhodes Show” on WRBJ 97.7 FM and is the author of Thy Kingdom Come: Reflections on Pastoral and Prophetic Ministry.
For a comprehensive list of events, contact the Office of the Dean of Students, 422 Union, call 662-915-7247 or 662-915-7248, or email Valeria Ross at vross@olemiss.edu.



Confronting segregation: James Meredith became the first African American student to enroll at the University of Mississippi in 1962
Groundbreaking: Now aged 79, James Meredith, was the first black student to integrate the University of Mississippi in 1962.
Protected: In this 1962 image James Meredith, back center, is escorted by federal marshals as he appears for his first day of class
Confronting segregation: James Meredith became the first African American student to enroll at the University of Mississippi in 1962.
The university this year celebrates 50 years since overcoming segregation with Meredith’s enrollment.
Rise to fame: Meredith speaks at a press conference
Body guards: Meredith is just visible as he is escorted to his new university
Ole Miss students hold electric candles and sing during the final commemoration in song at the University of Mississippiís celebration of 50-years of integration
Ole Miss students come together to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the university’s first black student





