Economic independence earned some Black leaders the ability to be more politically outspoken. Black landowners, railroad employees, professionals, business owners, and federal employees—mainly in larger communities— tended to have a greater degree of independence. While they could still be pressured, they were better able to withstand economic intimidation.
Pictured: A black and white photograph of the Mound Bayou Headquarters building. There are trees in the background. The center of the photo is the brick building with a group of eight people standing in front of the entrance. On the right side of the building is a white sign that reads: “Headquarters Mound Bayou Foundation.” There is a telephone pole in front of the group. Large trees frame the right side of the photo.
Credit: MDAH Mound Bayou Collection
