William S. Murphy attended the University of Mississippi in 1945 - 46 . The history of passing offers a richer understanding of lives lived along the color line . Murphy ` ` ' '' -- he was black , but people thought he was white . More than 15 years ' later , racial integration caused huge protest at Ole Miss . The history of passing remains shadowy , but offers lessons , Allyson Hobbs writes .
William S. Murphy attended the University of Mississippi in 1945 - 46 . Murphy ` ` ' '' -- he was black , but people thought he was white . More than 15 years ' later , racial integration caused huge protest at Ole Miss . The history of passing remains shadowy , but offers lessons , Allyson Hobbs writes .