Description

In 1891, the small town of Searcy in White County, outlawed African-Americans from drinking from the same city spring as its white citizens. give a correct census of the Negro population for general political reason. Castle Garden and determined white predominance, tell the tale of decrease in the per cent, of the Negro population. I do no say, however, that there is no cause for alarm, for in our cities the per cent of the death rate among us is much greater. This is owing to the unaccountable passion of our men, and especially the young ones, for low pursuits, such as gambling, frolicking, drinking, and dissipating generally. They are fast vitiating the Negro blood. This I know is largely true of white men, but they have their women to fall back upon, while our women as a majority have not learned the proper care of themselves, and again the drudging labor to which the men allow the women to be subjected, tells. I might go on producing facts to be, we are gradually developing into a great race, each oppressive law doing the part in the act of development. Yours Truly, C.J., Searcy, Ark., Aug. 10th. [From the Freeman, August 15, 1891]

From Collection

Land of (Unequal) Opportunity

Record Contributed By

University of Arkansas