Memorializing Race in the Deep South: The 'Good Darkie' Statue, Louisiana, USA

Author: Handley, Fiona J.L.

Source: Public Archaeology, Volume 6, Number 2, Summer 2007 , pp. 98-115(18)

Publisher: Maney Publishing

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Abstract:

The period between World War I and World War II saw the development of several memorials commemorating African Americans in the Southern USA. The 'Good Darkie' is unique amongst these in being a life-size bronze statue. It was erected in Natchitoches, northwestern Louisiana in 1927, where it remained in a prominent position in the centre of the town until it was taken down in 1969, ending up in the Louisiana State University Rural Life Museum where it is displayed as the statue of 'Uncle Jack'. The various meanings and values given to the statue over the last 80 years, from acceptable paternalism to its politicization in the 1960s, to the criticism currently levelled at its use make this an important case study in public commemoration. This paper explores the various meanings given to the statue by different social groups, which reveal how the concept of race, and solutions to the 'race problem' of the Southern USA have evolved over time.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1179/175355307X202884

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