Those of us who volunteered for the Mississippi Summer Project back in 1964 were told to assume hostility from local police officers, and to avoid them.
We were told Mississippi was a police state, with its law enforcement system (cops, prosecutors, judges, lock-ups, prison) used to batter black folks (and civil rights volunteers) into submission by force and violence.
A high U.S. Justice Department official told us that even the federal government could not protect us as we engaged in constitutionally protected activities. (“There is no federal police force—the responsibility for protection is that of the local police”—John Doar, deputy chief of the Civil Rights division.)
Those of us who volunteered in 1964 thought we would change the world, but, much as I hate to say it, we couldn’t. And didn’t.
As cops continue to kill black folks (white folks, too) with impunity, and as police forces across our United States become more militarized and dangerous to us “civilians,” it’s horribly obvious that Mississippi prevailed, not us.
Grenville Whitman
Rock Hall, MD
Stephan Sonn says
Nobody ever promised a rose garden. We are in the midst or resurgent evil and have to fight the same battles over again.
Bob Garson says
This is monumentally sad…and, apparently, true. I admire you…and others…Mr. Whitman for your efforts. Let us hope that fifty years from now our grandchildren will be able to say, “We DID make a difference!”
Fletcher R. Hall says
The conclusion of Mr. Whitman is both inaccurate and ridiculous.
He might consider the fact that Mississippi now has more African-American officials that any other state.
While America is nit perfect, we must continue to travel the road of achieving the goal recognizing
tat the rule of law applies to everyone and administered fairly for all.
We have made progress.