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1931: The Scottsboro trial, Depression and segregation

[Cartoon on the trial of Scottsboro; Source: Library of Congress]

The sensational trial of Scottsboro is in the context of the Depression of the 1930s . In 1931, the economic and social situation of the United States is very worrying: the millions of unemployed, the hungry ... All Americans suffer the consequences of the crisis, but Blacks are the first to be laid driven from their homes and forced to wander the roads looking for a source of income or a pittance. In 1934, 17% of whites and 38% of blacks are unable to meet their needs.

States disunited Vladimir Pozner, an extraordinary chronicle of America's Great Depression written in 1936-37, has many stories of racism exacerbated by the surrounding poverty. Here's an excerpt: "The Black suffers as workers (...). He suffers as unemployed. He also suffers as Black. He pays more for everything he buys, he gets less for all what it offers. It is the first to be dismissed, the last to be hired. It is not allowed in most hotels and restaurants outside of Harlem. For a judge, a black defendant is guilty advance . But the black jurors are extremely rare. Even in the prisons of New York, blacks are locked up separately. Only in cemetery they are buried with whites, poor whites, of course. "

Read the rest of the article on histgeobox Blot and listen to the blues of Leadbelly song that allows approach to the sensational trial of the 9 Scottboro.