Tension Eases but Plessy's Fight Still Rings in Our Heads

Eyes have been glued to the newspapers every morning. From what I have heard, and seen, newsstand workers have been overwhelmed tremendously by the case of Plessy v. Ferguson. People who never really cared about state news are up and about, trying to get the inside scoop on the case. Yesterday, the Supreme Court made their decision regarding Plessy. You'll be surprised to hear that the decision was 7 to 1, in favor of Ferguson; Justice Josiah Brewer did not participate in the decision, and thus, only eight of the nine Justices were present. For many, there is reason to celebrate. They feel It is an astounding victory, one that will help keep this country as it always has been: seperate. But for others, those who were on Plessy's side through and through, have taken a hard hit with this decision. Plessy's case was not simply a matter of determining if he should have been allowed access to the train car of his choosing. It was a case that handled the fragile concept of equality our country is grappling with today. Plessy represented all who want the rights they deserve; those they are granted within our Constitution. Though Plessy has been defeated, we can walk away feeling accomplished. Plessy stood up for what he believed in, and opened the eyes of the public that "separate but equal" simply is not "equal." We must always remember Mr. Homer Plessy, and how he took a stand for justice. It is your time, our time, to take a cue from Plessy, and make a change. Someday, the country will see all that Plessy represented, and all that he should have achieved.

They Take It All The Way

It's come to the Supreme Court, guys, the SUPREME COURT!!! I myself had no expectations that the case of Plessy v. Ferguson could get so big. What started off as a subtle case of racial rights, has become a huge deal. As I walk down the streets, every other conversation has included the words Plessy, Ferguson, Supreme Court, etc...(yes, I eavesdrop). Anyway, the first ruling of the Supreme Court upheld Judge Ferguson's decision, that states had the right to control the rules of their railroad companies. But once again, Plessy took it a step further. He appealed to the Supreme Court , and his case was accepted. For Plessy, two legal briefs were submitted, one by Albion W. Tourgée and James C. Walker, the other by Samuel F. Phillips and his legal partner F.D. MecKenney. The oral arguments will be held on April 13, 1896. Who's gonna win? All we can do is wait and see.

The Fight Prevails as Ferguson Won't Budge

John Howard Ferguson, the judge of the case, seems as if he won't ever give in to the constant accusations of Mr. Plessy. Despite the somewhat unexpected, yet aggressive fight from Plessy and his lawyers, Judge Ferguson simply will not take it. He is seemingly opposed to letting Plessy walk away from this case with any sort of gain. Ferguson ruled that Louisiana had the right to "make rules for railroad companies as long as they operated within the state boundaries." It looks like we're in for a long ride here, folks.

Plessy Won't Back Down

Although being jailed, Mr. Homer Plessy doesn't seem as if he will give up until his point is proven. During his latest lower court case, Mr. Plessy argued that

"the East Louisiana Railroad had denied him his constitutional rights under the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Amendments of the United States."

The thirteenth amendment, as we all know, prohibits slavery, or involuntary servitude of any kind in this country. And the fourteenth amendment states,

"All persons born or naturalized in the United States...are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside....No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens...nor deny an person of life, liberty, or property..."

Mr. Plessy and his lawyer surely won't back down, and from the look of things, this case will be amongst us for much time to come.

The Breakout: June 7th, 1892

Arms are up in the air with rage this Friday afternoon, a day after the controversial act of Mr. Homer Plessy. Mr. Plessy, a man who is one-eighth black and seven-eights white, was classified as an African American, when attempting to sit in a train car designated for whites. Two years ago, the "Separate Car Act" was passed by the State of Louisiana. It required blacks and whites to have "separate but equal" accommodations on railroads. Basically, blacks and whites can, or should, have equal accommodations, but separate facilities. Mr. Plessy refused to leave the white car, and was arrested and put in jail. We are all curious as to where this will lead.