On this day in 1948

Published

1 year ago

July 26, 2024

Staff Editor

mississippitoday.org – Jerry Mitchell – 2024-07-26 07:00:00

JULY 26, 1948

President Harry Truman shakes hands with Air Force Staff Sgt. Edward Williams, right, of St. Louis, Missouri, just two years after Truman issued Executive Order 9981. Credit: President Harry S. Truman Library and Museum

President Harry Truman issued Executive Order 9981, which abolished racial discrimination in the United States Armed Forces, eventually leading to segregation’s end in the services. The order came after he saw many returning Black soldiers become victims of violence.

“My stomach turned over when I learned that Negro soldiers, just back from overseas, were being dumped out of army trucks in Mississippi and beaten,” he said. “I shall fight to end evils like this.”

He formed the President’s Committee on Civil Rights, which asked for an end to discrimination in the armed forces, and later said in a speech at the Lincoln Memorial, “We have reached a turning point in the long history of our country’s efforts to guarantee freedom and equality to all of our citizens.”

Throughout the early history of the U.S. military, minorities had been segregated into separate units. Often given menial tasks, they rarely saw combat. But when they had been allowed to fight on the battlefield, they had proven their patriotism and their mettle. Many of the military brass resisted the change, and the last segregated units didn’t disband until 1954. Exactly 15 years later, Defense Secretary Robert McNamara instructed military commanders to boycott private facilities used by soldiers or their families that discriminated against Black Americans.

This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

Mississippi News Video

The Mustard Seed

Published

15 hours ago

September 15, 2025

Staff Editor

www.youtube.com – WJTV 12 News – 2025-09-15 09:50:28

SUMMARY: The Mustard Seed in Flowood is a Christian community serving adults with developmental disabilities aged 21 and older. It offers a supportive home environment where 20 residents live on-site, while others participate in daytime activities. The organization focuses on empowering individuals to live fulfilling lives, providing opportunities like college experiences and arts participation. Privately funded through donations and church grants, the Mustard Seed operates two gift shops—one in Flowood and one in Ridgeland—that generate 25% of its annual budget. Each product is handcrafted by residents, featuring unique artistic touches, and proceeds support the ministry. The shops encourage community support and engagement.

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SuperTalk FM

Mississippi well-represented with pair of players featured in SEC weekly honors

Published

20 hours ago

September 15, 2025

Staff Editor

www.supertalk.fm – Caleb Salers – 2025-09-15 13:03:00

SUMMARY: Mississippi was well-represented in the latest SEC players of the week. Bray Hubbard, an Ocean Springs native playing for Alabama, was named SEC co-defensive player of the week after five tackles and two interceptions in a 38-14 win over Wisconsin. He allowed just one catch on five targets and earned a 92.0 grade from Pro Football Focus. Ole Miss left tackle Diego Pounds earned co-offensive lineman of the week honors for helping backup quarterback Trinidad Chambliss lead the Rebels to a 41-35 win over Arkansas, playing all 75 snaps and allowing just one sack.

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The post Mississippi well-represented with pair of players featured in SEC weekly honors appeared first on www.supertalk.fm

Local News

DNA evidence found near scene of Charlie Kirk’s shooting matches suspect, FBI director says

Published

20 hours ago

September 15, 2025

Staff Editor

www.wxxv25.com – WXXV Staff – 2025-09-15 13:00:00

SUMMARY: DNA on a towel around a rifle linked Tyler Robinson, 22, to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, FBI Director Kash Patel revealed. Robinson’s DNA also matched a screwdriver found on the rooftop from which Kirk was shot at Utah Valley University. Authorities plan capital murder charges against Robinson, who reportedly hated Kirk and adhered to a “leftist ideology.” Robinson left a note expressing intent to kill Kirk and may have been radicalized online. Ammunition used had anti-fascist engravings. Tributes to Kirk, a key conservative figure and Trump confidant, continue nationwide, with Vice President JD Vance honoring him on Kirk’s show.

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The post DNA evidence found near scene of Charlie Kirk’s shooting matches suspect, FBI director says appeared first on www.wxxv25.com