Understanding Systemic Racism in the North

A common misconception of race relations in the 20th century is that it was isolated to the South. Even in the North, however, Black people were denied employment opportunities, retail services, and options for recreation. Opportunities for advancement economically and socially were minimal for people of color. Counties still maintained systemic control of their regions through ways that are known as the four pillars of white supremacy: politics, economy, violence, and controlling the narrative. This exhibt will discuss some of the racial challenges Black people faced in the North, specifically in regards to religion and education. 

Before delving deeper into Church of God race relations, it is first important to have an understanding of race relations in the North. The following pages explore the history of the Negro Motorist Green Book along Route 66 and in Anderson, Indiana.