1. In 1938, the world's first fully electronic TV station, WCBW (now WCBS-TV), began broadcasting in New York City. However, it was not until July 5, 1948, that Mississippi's first television station, WLBT, went on the air. Located in Jackson, the station was an affiliate of NBC and quickly became a popular source of news and entertainment for the region.

2. On July 5, 1835, John C. Calhoun, a prominent U.S. politician and statesman, addressed a large crowd in Jackson, Mississippi. Calhoun, a staunch advocate of states' rights and pro-slavery policies, spoke about the need for the Southern states to preserve their traditional way of life in the face of increasing pressure from anti-slavery forces in the North.

3. July 5, 1962, marked a significant milestone in the civil rights movement in Mississippi. On this day, James Meredith, an African-American man, won a federal lawsuit that ordered the University of Mississippi to admit him as its first black student. Meredith's enrollment at the university later that year sparked violent protests and required federal intervention to ensure his safety.

4. In 1946, the small town of Tupelo, Mississippi, gained international attention when it was struck by a devastating tornado on July 5. The storm killed more than 200 people and destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses in the area. This tragic event brought relief efforts from across the country, and future rock-and-roll legend Elvis Presley gave his first public performance in the city just six years later.

5. Finally, on July 5, 1971, the Mississippi Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling in the case of Alexander v. Holmes County Board of Education. The court ordered the immediate desegregation of Mississippi's public schools, marking a milestone in the long struggle for civil rights in the state. Despite challenges and setbacks, this decision paved the way for greater equality and opportunity for all Mississippians.