Discrimination in Minnesota
Unfortunately, African Americans' civil rights were often ignored, even after moving to Minnesota. They could not escape discrimination, especially in the areas of housing, employment, and education, even in the capital city of St. Paul. The barriers in these three areas kept African Americans marginalized on the outskirts of society with no chance to participate fully in the greater community.
The racial climate in Minnesota was such that Governor Edward Thye created the Governor's Interracial Commission of Minnesota in 1943. The commission submitted a report detailing the many ways in which African Americans were discriminated against in the job market. Substantial improvements to the job market would not be seen until many years later.
The report by the St. Paul Urban League, pictured above, noted that unless the job climate improved, African Americans would be stuck in a "vicious cycle" that included discouragement, poor health, and lack of adequate housing.
The racial climate in Minnesota was such that Governor Edward Thye created the Governor's Interracial Commission of Minnesota in 1943. The commission submitted a report detailing the many ways in which African Americans were discriminated against in the job market. Substantial improvements to the job market would not be seen until many years later.
The report by the St. Paul Urban League, pictured above, noted that unless the job climate improved, African Americans would be stuck in a "vicious cycle" that included discouragement, poor health, and lack of adequate housing.