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African Americans and Race Relations in San Antonio, Texas, 1867-1937 (Studies in African American History and Culture)
African Americans and Race Relations in San Antonio Texas 18671937 - Studies in African American History and Culture Author:Kenneth Mason This is a study of how paternalistic race relations in San Antonio contributed to the rise of accommodation-minded African American leaders whose successful manipulation of the political and ethnic divisions provided goods, services and sustained voting rights during a period when African Americans throughout the South had lost such privileges. ... more »The unique demography of Mexican, German, Anglo and African Americans; a service based economy of hotels, restaurants and saloons; and campaigns by white civic leaders to make San Antonio the premier commercial and vacation center of the Southwest nurtured a political machine that intended "to keep blacks in their place." This resulted in an assortment of Jim Crow laws; restrictive employment opportunities; and segregated schools, parks, and municipal services; albeit without mob lynching and racial violence.
This paternalistic brand of racism resulted in the rise of one of the most powerful black political bosses of his time, Charles Bellinger. Challenges from conservative white reformers and disgruntled black civil rights advocates failed to dislodge the hold Bellinger's machine had on the black community and the city, until the Great Depression. By examining employment, education, politics, and socio-cultural activities that contributed to the city's unique race relations; the study takes a hard look at whether "separate but equal" ever become a reality in San Antonio.« less