New South Tribune
A look into the New South
Contributors
Paige Riser
Letter from the editors
Dear Readers
The New South was a very productive and busy time within the southern states. Events of the case of Plessy vs. Ferguson, the Grange movement, and the improvements by john and Lugenia hope for African Americans are only a few examples.
The case of Plessy vs Ferguson showed and reinforced the thoughts of segregation among the people of the south. There had always been an air of question around what African Americans could really do and how much they could get away with. By acting out and declaring that he was allowed to sit where he did, Homer Plessy made a difference. Even though he ended up to be incorrect in his claim, he helped to clarify questions about segregation.
The Grange movement brought more attention to the farmers of the south and how they deserved to have more appreciation for what they do. They worked hard every day to ensure that the people of their community had food, only to receive little notice; the other occupations throughout town took the news. The Grange movement caught my eye simply because it was farmers taking a stand for what they deserved.
John and Lugenia Hope made Atlanta a better place for many people. John Hope, being the first black president of the Morehouse College, created the first graduate program for African Americans in the city. This greatly improved their chances at a better education. Lugenia, recognizing that the blacks of Atlanta were in need of much more, created the neighborhood union. This greatly improved the lives of African Americans by providing them with health clinics, job training, and better home conditions.
Each of these, events and people alike, created a very distinct thought throughout every mind of the south: The world they knew was changing. People were starting to go against what they thought was wrong and began making a difference. These simple acts caused the south to change for the better in the long run.
- Paige Riser
Dear Readers
Sincerely,
Phoenix Crowe
News
The Plessy vs. Ferguson Case
Was He Right or Wrong?
The 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees that every person born or naturalized in the U.S. is a citizen, and that no citizen shall be denied equal protection under the law. this includes all former slaves.Homer Plessy of Louisiana argued with the U.S. Supreme Court that his rights to "equal protection" had been violated.
Being only partially African American, Plessy was arrested for riding in the "whites only" section of a rail car and refusing to move.
Plessy sued the court and stated his defenses. the Supreme Court in turn claimed that the segregation was legal, as long as it was "separate but equal." Homer Plessy was therefore found guilty for his actions.
Ku Klux Klan
Burning Fear in the South!
After the Civil War many Southerner's were not happy that so many black's and northerner's were getting freedoms they were excluded from. So, in 1866 the Ku Klux Klan was formed. It was formed for white resistance against the reconstruction. Through, soon after it started it was outlawed, but strong. They believed and fought for whites to be the hierarchy of southern society again. After a short time of inactiveness the Klan was reformed in the early 1900's. This time the Klan burned crosses and staged rallies, parades, and marches. These went against immigrants, Catholics, Jews, and African Americans. This was the Ku Klux Klan.
Feature
John and Lugenia Hope
John and Lugenia Hope were two very interesting people. One was concerned with the advancements int he field of African American education, the other in the social activism in regards to blacks.
John Hope served as the first black president of Morehouse College in Atlanta. This, though, is not all. In addition, he established the first graduate studies program for African Americans at the university while serving as president.
Lugenia Hope, wife of John, was the founder of the Neighborhood Union. This was an organization that helped the poor blacks in Atlanta at the time. The Neighborhood Union provided such people with health clinics, boys and girls clubs, job training, and improvement in living conditions.
Together, these two made a major impact on the lives of African Americans living in Atlanta at the time. They were provided with better opportunities and a better education as a result.
Rebecca Latimer Felton
Look at your Senate members. What do you see, men, women? Did you know that not so long ago in 1922 the first woman to ever hold a spot on the Senate was appointed. This woman was no other than the lovely Rebecca Latimer Felton.
Rebecca Latimer later Felton was born to parents Charles and Elanor Swift Latimer on June 10, 1835 in DeKalb County, Georgia. After her primary education Rebecca went to Madison Female College, graduating at the top of her classes in 1852 from Madison Female College. One year after graduating she married William Felton.
William Felton was a politician belonging to the Independent Democratic Party aspiring a prosperous future. With Rebecca at his side at all times as his campaign manager he was elected to three U.S. Congress terms and three State Legislature terms for Georgia. Throughout all these Rebecca was just as involved helping him with bills and other political businesses. She also kept him as smooth as a well oiled machine writing the majority of his speeches, articles, and letters for him. After many years in politics her husband retired along with her around the 1890's. He later died in 1908. His death sparked 84 year old Rebecca to start her political career, she would write books and oppositions to political figures and others to start this. After 13 years of influential politics U.S. Senator Thomas E. Watson died. Upon his death the Georgia Governor Thomas Hardwick had to appoint a temporary Senator, so he appointed Rebecca. She was sworn in on November 21, 1922 at the age of 94. Though her term lasted a mere twenty-four hours she was still known as a very influential woman and is still the first woman elected to senate.
Business
The Grange
Power to the Farmers!
The Patrons of Husbandry, more commonly known as the Grange, was created in 1875. it increased attention to the social and economic needs of farmers and advanced methods of agriculture.
During the financial crisis in 1873 when the government decided to reduce the amount of paper money used in favor for other terms of payment, such as gold and silver, farmers hit a dead end. The price of their crops already reducing as well, farmers had to pay more to move them to buyers.
This caused an increase in members, or Grangers. Groups such as the Greenback Party, the Populist Party, and the Progressives earned the support of the Grangers for helping the farmers with their words.
Progressive Era
Road to a Better South!
The progressive Era, better known as the Progressive Reform Era was a time of major growth and change. Many upon many of economic, political, and social movements took place during this time. Within these movements were the Women's Suffrage, Prohibition, and Child Labor Laws. although many of the reforms were for the good, some did not. Some such as the Jim Crow laws and segregation were not so good. These cause much racial tension throughout the south. This is the Progressive Era of Georgia.