1. On June 23, 1964, civil rights activist Andrew Goodman was killed in Mississippi along with two other activists, James Chaney and Michael Schwerner. The three were working to register African American voters during the Freedom Summer campaign.

2. On June 23, 1863, Confederate troops under the command of General John C. Pemberton surrendered to Union forces led by General Ulysses S. Grant at the Siege of Vicksburg. This marked a turning point in the Civil War, as the Union gained control of the Mississippi River.

3. On June 23, 1972, a Category 4 hurricane named Agnes made landfall in Mississippi, causing widespread damage and flooding. The storm was responsible for 26 deaths in the state and caused over $40 million in damages.

4. On June 23, 1908, African American boxer Jack Johnson defeated Tommy Burns in Australia to become the first black heavyweight champion of the world. Johnson was born in Galveston, Texas but lived in several states throughout his life, including Mississippi.

5. On June 23, 1969, James Meredith, the first African American to attend the University of Mississippi, led a protest march against racism and discrimination. The march was known as the March Against Fear and attracted participants from across the country. The marchers faced violent opposition from local law enforcement and civilians, but eventually reached their destination in Jackson, Mississippi.