This represents the lowest economic depths of the black American peasant; and in a study of the rise and condition of the Negro freeholder we must trace his economic progress from the modern serfdom.
In his analysis of Black economic life, Du Bois identifies peonage as the nadir from which to trace the progress of Black freeholders.
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The form and disposition of the laborers’ cabins throughout the Black Belt is to-day the same as in slavery days.
This waste of double aims, this seeking to satisfy two unreconciled ideals, has wrought sad havoc with the courage and faith and deeds of ten thousand thousand people,—has sent them often wooing false gods and invoking false means of…
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