ABSTRACT
The roots of black poverty and political powerlessness in Mississippi are found in the economics of racism. Economically, rigid racial segregation was always a curse and a blessing. The South's version of apartheid was never confined to social and civil separation of the races. Desegregation in the 1960s and early 1970s was, of course, supported by the overwhelming majority of blacks as a necessary and progressive reform. The general economic decline for most Mississippi blacks since the 1960s has been accompanied by the resurrection of white racist terrorism and political violence. Eddie Carthan understands Mississippi—its heritage of segregation, racial brutalities, and economic exploitation of the black working class and rural poor. When Mayor Carthan learned about Andrews' actions, he located two regular police officers and several auxiliary policemen. The mayor obtained CETA funds to weatherize and remodel Tchula's homes.
