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 .
Harry S. Murphy attended the University of Mississippi in 1945-46 . Murphy `` passed '' -- he was black , but people thought he was white . More than 15 years years later , racial integration drew huge protest at Ole Miss . The history of passing remains shadowy , but offers lessons , Allyson Hobbs writes .