John Seigenthaler was not a very tall man. At least I don’t remember him that way after I set up my camera, did a mic check and readied to ask him a few questions about his visit to the University of Mississippi.
In my mind, people like Seigenthaler are giants and thus should tower over me when they appear in the same space. He was, after all, one of the names that is held in high regard in any journalism school in the country. But he wasn’t tall, nor was he anything other than gracious as he answered my questions about the civil rights era and gave his thoughts on our University.
Seigenthaler’s career grew out of the turbulence of the 1960s, much like many well-known journalists. He was a chief negotiator with the governor of Alabama during the 1961 Freedom Rides, a time in which he was attacked and knocked out by Klansmen.
When Seigenthaler stopped by Ole Miss, it was usually to visit the Overby Center for Southern Journalism and Politics. In fact, a quote on the wall to the auditorium is one of his. He often spoke of first amendment freedoms and the trials he went through during the 60s. He would speak to the changing form of journalism and how news is disseminated. And no matter the topic, when Seigenthaler spoke, students and professors listened.
It was a honor to be in his presence and a privilege to interview him. He is a giant who will be greatly missed.