Article 6 Volume 7
Part 2 of 2
Part 2 of 2
Peanuts put bread on the table for most families
Peanuts were the Mixtec (new word) that directly or indirectly contributed to families being able to stay together in the 20th Century in Suffolk. Virtually every job was rooted in the peanut industry in one way or another.
High school graduation only required 11 years for the black students through the class of 1956 at East Suffolk High. In 1957 there was no graduation class. Twelve years became mandatory for graduation for the class of 1958. Peanuts, I believe, was a factor in the 11- year requirement. The reason was, students would be available on the labor market a year earlier. Thus, keeping the peanut industry striving and perhaps most of the black citizens unable to find jobs that were not connected to the peanut industry.
When the Afro-Americans graduated from high school their next move was limited: (1) go to college (2) go to the military services (3) go up north and hopefully find a job (4) go to work at a peanut factory or a job linked to the peanut industry.
I did all four in this order: military, peanut factory, college, and departure for residence up north.
The chances of staying at home were slim. If you stayed at home, something would often happen that would prevent you from leaving town alone.
The main product in the city was peanuts. The other product that helped keep bread on the table for a lot of families was Enhanced Water consisting of a special mixture of corn and sugar. These two products, I believe were instrumental in keeping the local economy afloat.
Administrative jobs generally were not offered to black citizens.
When the Afro-Americans graduated from high school their next move was limited: (1) go to college (2) go to the military services (3) go up north and hopefully find a job (4) go to work at a peanut factory or a job linked to the peanut industry.
I did all four in this order: military, peanut factory, college, and departure for residence up north.
The chances of staying at home were slim. If you stayed at home, something would often happen that would prevent you from leaving town alone.
The main product in the city was peanuts. The other product that helped keep bread on the table for a lot of families was Enhanced Water consisting of a special mixture of corn and sugar. These two products, I believe were instrumental in keeping the local economy afloat.
Administrative jobs generally were not offered to black citizens.
There was only one radio station in town. WLPM. This station allotted about 5 percent of its broadcast time to the black community.
Looking back, just like mammal and quail sustained the Hebrews in biblical times, peanuts and enhanced water helped do the same for the peanut-bred folks.
Copyright 2016. Grady E. Bryant, Sr. All Rights Reserved.
__________________________________________________________________________
Looking back, just like mammal and quail sustained the Hebrews in biblical times, peanuts and enhanced water helped do the same for the peanut-bred folks.
Copyright 2016. Grady E. Bryant, Sr. All Rights Reserved.
__________________________________________________________________________
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