Southern Industrialization

Having depended on slave labor for much of their past, it is no surprise that Southerners found ways to maintain the institutions of slavery despite the laws.  One of the most horrendous was called convict leasing in which prisoners were leased out to private firms.  The state pocketed a profit and the business owner got very cheap labor.  This institution still exists in some forms in some states.  Explain how this system effected the African American community in the South.  What other institutions created by Southern states kept African Americans in the status of second class citizens?

This documentary graphically explains the institution of convict leasing.

Slavery By Another Name

http://www.pbs.org/tpt/slavery-by-another-name/watch/