Segregation and Progressivism

North Carolina has enjoyed a reputation as a “progressive” southern state with a moderate approach to race relations. North Carolina’s
leaders, as well as some outside observers, portrayed the state as a bastion of progress where racism was all but nonexistent. While a few “rednecks” or “poor whites” might cling to backwards ideals, the state as a whole had left the past behind. In reality, however, North Carolina upheld a discriminatory system of segregation that, in many ways, mirrored that of other southern (and northern) states. Despite the claims of white leaders, skin color continued to be a governing factor in the lives of North Carolinians as African Americans were still seen as second-class citizens. Stressing the importance of peace and civility, leaders promoted “moderate” policies that essentially maintained the status quo and ignored the demands of African Americans. Although officials blamed the gradual approach they  adopted on the desire to avoid violence and placate unenlightened whites, North Carolina’s elites may have had their own motivations for maintaining segregation. While racism could have been a factor in their chosen strategy, a desire to keep people separated by race in order to keep them from uniting by class may have also played a role. As long as conflict revolved around racial issues, white elites might not have to answer tough questions about their privileged positions in the community.

Visit other Exhibits in Crossing the Color Line.