The argument I was presenting was defending segregated rail cars. I was a pro-segregation lawyer for Homer Plessy. I argued from a history perspective to keep segregation from the black perspective.
The case of Plessy vs Ferguson is the case of a mixed male named Homer Plessy who was a test case to get on an all-white rail car and see if would be able to pass for white. The authorities caught on to the plot of Homer’s actions. He was asked to leave the all-white car, refused to do so, and was arrested. I am here as a pro-segregation lawyer for Homer Plessy.
I am here arguing in favor of segregation from a Black perspective. Homer identified as Black under Louisiana law. The history of segregation for the black community can be seen as a benefit. The first instance of pro-segregation working in favor of the black community is the separate but equal act in favor of segregated schools. Segregated schools were the first instance of where black students were given a full chance at receiving an education at institutions where the teachers looked like the students and could relate to the challenges that would be encountered on the way to success. The resources may have been limited compared to white schools, but the separate institutions had a better chance at true student development along the path to development. Thriving in this environment was expected compared to white schools with teachers who did not look like their black students and in some instances did not have the student’s best interest at heart.
The outcome of Plessy vs Ferguson being seen as a negative for the black community can be seen as another positive aspect for segregation. For example, in regard to black wall street in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This city had a flourishing economy and was a positive aspect of segregation in the sense that the Black community was thriving. There were stores for all needs, self-sustaining agriculture, grocery stores, and a movie theater. This was an environment where black people thrived untouched by the dilution of white integration. Black wall street was the pinnacle of what black excellence could achieve until it was taken away by white people. In regard to black excellence and dilution of what black people could achieve in terms of segregation it is best said in the words of Malcom X. Malcolm X says that “America preaches integration and practices segregation.” I believe this quote fits perfectly with the facts and knowledge we have on this case and the doctrine of separate but equal which we have seen to be untrue and a false narrative by the government in this regard to Plessy vs Ferguson. The governments are responsible for providing separate and equal facilities to people of color. The separate rail cars should be kept, because other instances shown in previous arguments and cases have shown that segregation works in favor of the black community. The development that takes place in black communities is evident when left untouched.
Sources
Malcolm X - America preaches integration and practices... (brainyquote.com)
What the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Destroyed - The New York Times (nytimes.com)
Integration—We've Been Doing It All Wrong — Shelterforce
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