North Carolina Can Take 25,000 Negroes As Long As They Haven't Become "Tainted With Dreams of Equality" 1919

The Eagle, Cherryville, N.C., August 7, 1919

Chicago Would Send Negroes South Again

Raleigh, Aug. 6—Chicago would welcome the return of many negroes to the southern states, according to the tone of a telegram received by Governor Bickett today from The Chicago Herald-Examiner. The telegram says:

“Many negroes who came here for war work are anxious to return south if the south needs them. The spokesman ask us to inquire how many your state can absorb. They are of the most industrious class, distinct from the bad element responsible for difficulties here. Please rush answer.”

The Governor’s answer was that North Carolina can absorb 25,000 negroes who want to return from Illinois to the South unless they have become tainted or intoxicated with dreams of social equality or political dominion.