Mock Trial Speech: Plessy v. Fergueson

 Good afternoon judge.

Ever since the aftermath of the civil war, and even prior, African Americans have been given the resources they needed from the government to function in their place in society. Now that they are no longer slaves, with masters to dutifully fulfill their needs and provide for themselves, they have been granted the generous privilege of working as a servant or farmer here in the state of Louisiana, where Mr. Homer Plessy is from. 

(blackthen.com)

This is more than enough needed for them to serve in society, yet they continue to rebel against the government, resulting in a dangerous environment to the white and law abiding residents here in the south. The Black codes were founded in order to grant these people facilities of their own so they can lead their own lives and culture without interfering with the white residents. Historically, these rules have kept black people in their place, and follow the intended changes of the restriction plan under Johnson's presidential authority. 

(billofrightsinstitute.org)

The fourteenth amendment grants everyone, including blacks, “equal protection of the law” under the power of the states. They have been granted numerous privileges, including purchasing property and even so far as getting to choose who they get to marry, which keeps them at a place in a functioning society where they have been able to contribute to the well being of their community for a number of years.

 There are limits set on their wages for a reason-  to prevent uprising when they should be grateful. They have even been given the privilege to vote, however even with all this they will not settle and continue to act against the government which has treated them as they should be, considering that they are black people. For example, the separate car act, which is one of the codes Mr. Homer Plessy has rebelled against, is intended to provide adequate transportation for both blacks and whites, and is yet another example of the structures put in place here in Louisiana to guarantee resources for non-whites. 

(ouramericannetwork.org)

The black residents should be grateful for this, but continue the pattern, beginning  in the era of slavery, where they have simply asked too much of the government, even though they have been granted generous rights throughout history.

https://blackthen.com/june-7-1892-homer-plessy-arrested-refusing-leave-whites-seat/

https://billofrightsinstitute.org/lessons/african-americans-gilded-age

http://www.ouramericannetwork.org/story?title=-Separate-but-Equal-The-Story-of-Supreme-Injustice

https://www.britannica.com/event/Plessy-v-Ferguson-1896

https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/163/537