8th Grade Novels‎ > ‎The Watsons‎ > ‎Cairo, Illinois‎ > ‎

Cairo -- Death by Racism



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There were, in fact, a number of mobster groups operating in Cairo, not only running bootlegged liquor but, also operating profitable slot machine rackets. The various groups brought more violence to the city, as the gangsters tried to squeeze out their rivals, smashing slot machines, firebombing cars, and killing each other. On July 19, 1950 $20,000 worth of gambling equipment was confiscated from simultaneous raids on six night clubs and taverns in or nearCairo. Just a month later, at the height of the gambling raids, five State Police were charged with theft of $150 from slot machines confiscated during a raid inCairo.

 

Over the years, Cairo's population began to decline due to the violence and the decrease in river trade. This decline; however, would not lead to Cairo's ultimate demise – instead, it was racism.


The first major push for racial equality occurred in 1946 when black teachers filed a lawsuit in federal court to secure equal pay. When the case was argued the same year by famed attorney, Thurgood Marshall, the judge and defense counsel continuously referred to Marshall as a "boy." Defense counsel then went on to explain to the court how a comparable case in Tennessee had been handled by a distinguished attorney who knew what he was doing, unlike the "boy" in this case. When the Defense counsel had completed his pontificating speech, Marshall quietly stood up and thanked counsel for the compliments, then informed the court that he was the brilliant attorney who had handled the case in Tennessee.

Six years later, in 1952, efforts were begun to integrate Cairo's schools but, separate black schools would not be abolished until years later in 1967.

By 1960, the town supported only about 9,000 people. That number would, unfortunately, drop more drastically over the next few decades, as racial tensions in the town escalated into a full-blown “war.”

 

By this time, the old scars of racism had hardened, and Cairo's racial divide was starkly drawn. The city's black citizens couldn't get work in white-owned businesses and when rural whites from Kentucky and Missouri were hired instead of local blacks, the African-Americans rebelled. By 1962, local freedom movements were breaking out in communities all over the country, though they were seldom reported by the national media.

 

The city facilities were completely segregated, including public housing, local parks, and seating in the courthouse. Almost all public and private offices employed only whites. During this time, the public swimming pool became a “private club,” in order to keep out the black population. Requiring a “club” membership card to enjoy the cool waters of the pool, a large group of Civil Rights activists demonstrated at the pool in 1962, which spawned a white racist to deliberately drive his pickup truck into the demonstration, severely injuring a young African-American girl. The segregated swimming pool was finally closed in 1963 to avoid integration.

 

At about the same time, a demonstration occurred at the local roller skating rink to integrate the facility. When the group arrived; however, the skating rink owners had locked the doors, and the KKK was holding a meeting inside. Someone had stuck a note in the door with an ice pick that said, "No n____ here!"


Full-out "war" began in 1967 after the suspicious death of a 19-year-old black soldier, who was on leave, occurred while he was in police custody. Deemed to be suicide by the authorities, the black community disagreed and led by Cairo native Reverend Charles Koen, they rose up in protest against not only Hunt's death but also a century of harsh segregation. Resulting in a riot, the whites quickly formed Vigilante groups, and the violence increased to such an extent that that the Illinois National Guard was called in to quell racial hostilities.

 

That same year, Preston Ewing, Jr., Cairo's NAACP president, wrote a letter to Adlai Stevenson, the state treasurer, reporting that Cairo banks would not hire blacks. The state responded by telling the banks they must hire blacks or it would remove its money from them.

 

Another black soldier, named Wily Anderson, who was on leave, was killed by sniper bullets. A week later, a white deputy named Lloyd Bosecker was shot in retaliation.Cairo police charged four blacks in connection with the shooting and eleven others for violations of an anti-picketing law.

 

The racism continued; however, as the Burkhart Factory, Cairo's largest industry, practiced racial discrimination, refusing to hire African-Americans. Little League baseball was cancelled to keep black children from playing, and a private "all-white" school was established. By 1969, black citizens were not allowed to gather at sports activities, in local parks, or form marches without being threatened by local police or a Vigilante group called the White Hats.


Though African-Americans demanded jobs from the white-owned businesses, owners refused to acknowledge their requests. As a result, the United Front then began to boycott white owned businesses. Still, the establishments refused to hire them, and chose instead, to just close up shop or go out of business, rather than succumb to the demands of the black population.

 

In April, 1969, Lieutenant Governor Paul Simon and a special committee, appointed by the Illinois House of Representatives, began to investigate the events occurring in Cairo. The Illinois General Assembly soon ordered the White Hats to disband and called for the enforcement of civil rights laws and racial integration of city and county departments


Even though the state government had become involved, white residents continued to hold mass meetings in public parks, while the African-Americans held Civil Rights rallies in various churches.

 

In September, 1969, Cairo's mayor issued a statement prohibiting the gathering of two or more people, all marches, and picketing. However, the black protestors continued to protest. A federal court would later rule the mayor's proclamation unconstitutional. Though both the federal and state governments had gotten involved, they were ineffective in controlling the continued segregation and inequality that existed in Cairo.

 

The demonstrations and violence continued into the 1970's, producing more than 150 nights of gunfire; multiple marches, protests and arrests, numerous businesses bombed, and more declaring bankruptcy.


By 1970 the population had dropped to a little over 6,000 people and by the following year, there was very little left to picket as most of the downtown businesses had closed. For those establishments that remained, the boycott continued for the rest of the decade.

 

Once Commercial Street was lined with businesses -- a Hallmark store, the Mode-O-Day, Khourie Bros. Department Store -- in front of which, the Hamburger Wagon sat serving up popcorn, greasy burgers, and flavored sodas; Florsheim Shoes, a music store, photography studio, banks, auto dealerships, gas stations, and restaurants. All closed now.

 

Elsewhere in the city, some 40 small neighborhood grocery stores once thrived. On our visit in 2010, we could find not a single open grocery store. Cairo's residents were once entertained by numerous speedboat races on the Ohio River, as half the town sat on the concrete levee wall watching. Not any more. Another entertainment venue -- the Gem Theatre -- closed its doors forever in 1978 after operating for nearly 70 years.


Cairo's 44-bed hospital closed in 1986, the town soon lost its bus service, and in 1988, the City of New Orleans, operating on the rail line, made its last stop. Though the passenger depot originally built by the Illinois Central Railroad still stands, the trains no longer stop for passengers.

 

In the end, Cairo would become the city that died from racism. By 1990, the town sported a population of little less than 5,000. It's citizens tried valiantly to save the town when Riverboat Gambling was legalized the same year. Enacted partially to revitalize dying towns, it was the perfect opportunity for little Cairo to have a second chance. However, the State of Illinois, instead, awarded the license to nearby Metropolis, some 40 miles northwest on the Ohio River, dashing all hopes of the town's opportunity to revitalize its economy and population. By the year 2,000, Cairo's population had dropped to only about 3,600 residents. The 2010 census put it at 2,831.


Sadly, Preston Ewing Jr., Cairo's unofficial historian, former president of the local NAACP chapter, city treasurer, and participant in the Civil Rights Movement in Cairo, described the town as "poor, black and ugly." Further, not having unrealistic expectations, he said, "Our goal should be to stabilize Cairo, not talk about growth. Potential employers will go where there is greater viability and an infrastructure to support businesses." In fact, things were so bad in 1990, that the Cairo High School graduating class was advised to leave the town by its principal.

 

Built to support a population of over 15,000 people, Cairo is a “ghost town” today, by definition -- any historical town or site that leaves evidence of its previous glory. A third of its population are below the poverty line. The city is predominately African-American at almost 72%, compared to Caucasian at about 29%. The median income for a household in the city was just $21,607 in the 2000 census and continues to face significant socio-economic challenges including education issues, high unemployment rates, and lack of a commercial tax base, which all contribute to the sadness of Cairo.  In the 2010 census, the median income for a household in the city dropped to $16,682.

 

The city and its residents have worked hard over the recent years to stabilize the small town; however, these attempts are often short-lived, as there is simply no money. The real estate in Cairo is cheap, and many, intrigued with the prospect of building a business, have taken the opportunity to start in Cairo. But, business is slow as residents wonder why these businesses have started in their small town. Additionally, many residents see these newcomers as temporary – being too used to people coming to help and then leaving. After years of turmoil, Cairo's residents are often untrusting


Despite the town’s rich history, magnificent river views, and attempts to stabilize it, there are few efforts to promote the area for tourism.

 

South of Cairo, the historic site of Fort Defiance, which was once an Illinois State Park, but, since given over to the City of Cairo, is now abandoned. Everywhere, there are dismal reminders that less than 3,000 people now live in a city designed for many more.

 

Alexander County is one of the poorest in Illinois. Without businesses that pay taxes, the town and county simply cannot afford to provide basic services, much less promote itself. Many of its residents are tired of telling the story of their blighted town and just simply want to be left alone.

 

 





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