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The Civil Rights Movement

Overview

While the Civil Rights Movement achieved repeated successes in the courts, many white southerners resisted its efforts. In Louisiana, progress moved so slowly that by 1967, a decade after the Brown decision, only five Louisiana parishes had begun to desegregate public schools. Full integration would not occur until the mid-1970s. At every turn, activists faced resistance from lawmakers and white residents who joined white supremacist organizations, such as white leagues, citizen councils, or a resurgent Ku Klux Klan. In Baton Rouge, an example of the difficulty in achieving integration can be seen in the struggle over public pools. When faced with a court order to integrate the pools, city officials closed them, going to far as to fill some with concrete. When two pools tried to open in 1966, white supremacists bombed them. Although the pools ultimately re-opened, integrating them required not just the legal fight, but one between activists, local politicians, and segments of the white community willing to use violence and intimidation to sabotage the efforts. 

The following sources look at voices from the white community who were critical of the Civil Rights Movement. Items of note include the papers of Douglas L. Manship, Sr., a pioneer in Louisiana radio and television broadcasting, who supported integration. As a result of his views, he received letters from fellow Louisianas. Some praised his courage, but many others condemned his views. A number of the letters came from prominent members of the community. The library also holds the papers of Harry Pollard Gamble, Sr., the founder of an anti-integrationist and racist organization. Other collections include printed materials, pamphlets, and speeches criticizing integration.

Suggested Subject Headings

American Society for the Preservation of State Government and Racial Integrity.

Ku Klux Klan (1915- ).

Racism -- United States -- History -- 20th century.

Segregation -- Louisiana.

States' rights (American politics).

White Citizens councils.

White supremacy movements -- Louisiana.

Manuscripts