The racial tone in the Delta in the 1930’s reflected the entire attitude of segregation throughout the
south. Jim Crow laws caused total separation of blacks and whites. Blacks had separate churches,
schools and social organizations. They lived in special sections of most towns and when traveling
they where prohibited to stay in motels unless they found a blacks only motel. Eating out was also
not permitted because they could not eat in the dining rooms of restaurants. If the restaurant owner
was generous, he would allow the blacks to eat in the kitchen or take it to go. However, they were
allowed to shop at regular department stores, but could not try on clothes. Even their social skills
had to be adjusted, because blacks could not address a white adult by first name unless mister was
used, although white children called black adults by their first names. The slightest infraction of these
racial codes by blacks was met with punishment by whites.
The desegregation of American life in general and southern life is the most significant social
movement in modern United States history. The movement started in the 1930’s, it gained
momentum in the 1940’s, and saw remarkable changes in the 1950’s and by the 1960’s had already
begun to change how blacks and whites interacted in the South.
Special Thanks to Dr. Ortiz and Duke University for letting us use
the Behind the Veil interviews.
In Addition, I would like to thank Dr. Wilkerson-Freeman who made this
possible. It was a great learning
experience for the entire class as well as myself.
Introduction by James J. Ludyen
Web Page by James J. Ludyen and Dr. Wilkerson-Freeman
Bibliography
Jim Crow, Maryland Oral History Project
Behind the Veil Project by Duke University
Durham, North Carolina: Oral Histories
Hard Times During the Depression
"Race-Making and the Nation-State," by Anthony W. Marx