1. On October 11, 2005, Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts were still ongoing in Mississippi. The hurricane had devastated the Mississippi Gulf Coast on August 29, 2005, causing over 230 deaths and billions of dollars in damage.

2. On October 11, 1962, James Meredith became the first African American student to enroll at the University of Mississippi. His enrollment was met with violent opposition from white supremacists, leading to a federal intervention and ultimately resulting in President Kennedy deploying federal troops to quell the riots.

3. On October 11, 1810, the West Florida Rebellion began in present-day Mississippi. Anglo settlers rebelled against Spanish rule and established the short-lived Republic of West Florida before the territory was annexed by the United States in 1812.

4. On October 11, 1900, famed blues musician Robert Johnson was born in Hazlehurst, Mississippi. His influence on blues and rock music has endured decades after his untimely death at the age of 27.

5. On October 11, 1922, legendary civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer was born in Montgomery County, Mississippi. Despite facing discrimination and violence, Hamer became a prominent voice in the fight for voting rights and equal representation for African Americans in the 1960s.