Black Americans Celebrate Independence Day In 1930’s South Carolina

The picture above is of a Fourth of July celebration from the late 1930’s held near Beaufort, South Carolina.

I wonder what Black Americans felt what was worth observing about Independence Day in depression-era South Carolina.

National ideals and creeds that might one day be reached?

A sense of community that could not be broken even by the conditions of such a time and place?  

Whatever the reasons, the gathering seems to me an expression of some sort of confidence. 

My inner-conservative will show, but look how people are dressed in the picture in contrast to what we often see today. The women here are in dresses. The men are wearing hats.

People today—I mean people of all colors—need to get with the program and have some respect for themselves. I saw a young woman a few days ago walking around in a t-shirt extolling the virtues of farting.

What is the story with people?

The photo is from the American Memory collection of the Library of Congress.

The picture was taken by Marion Post Wolcott. The profile of Ms. Wolcott is interesting. She took her pictures as part of a New Deal project.

Book Review—Pennsylvania Avenue: Profiles In Backroom Power

I recently read the book Pennsylvania Avenue: Profiles In Backroom Power by John Harwood and Gerald F. Seib.

Both authors are Washington political correspondents.

This book is a series of brief chapters about a variety of Washington political players.

Some of those profiled are lifelong insiders. Some came to insider power through unusual channels. Others are looking to change or reform the system in some way or another. 

If you are a close follower of politics, you may feel much of the ground covered is familiar. Though I doubt there are many who could claim they are aware of the careers of all the men and women discussed.  

In any case, this book has the virtue of being both brief and comprehensive at the same time.

I read it flying between Houston and Boston. Half going to Boston, and the other half flying home to Houston.

Given that I spent a lot of time looking out the window, I’d say the book is of a length manageable to the average busy person.   

Despite the welcome brevity, an impressive number of paths to power, and the implications of that power, are reported upon. Taken as a whole, it gives the reader plenty of information to consider.

Also, it leaves the reader with the sense that the little person does not have much chance in the halls of power—Unless the little person hits the Super Lotto and decides to fund political candidates with all the winnings. 

Here is the New York Times review of Pennsylvania Avenue.