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Frances PerkinsFrances Perkins
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just as deep as they could possibly be, old time Georgians. They were extremely intelligent fellows. They were both in the building trades if I remember rightly, but I forget which branch. I think Googe had once been a printer too, but he was now a managerial person in the AF of L. So they were all right and aided and abetted my going. I suppose they suggested to the Governor that dinner be arranged, that he appear, and so forth.

Anyhow, it went all right. We had a meeting in the Legislative Chamber of the State House. I learned then for the first time that the Negroes couldn't come in. I had never been really faced with that. It had been advertised that I was coming. The Negroes were a large element in the working population of Atlanta and I hadn't realized that they couldn't come into the Capitol and sit where other people sat. But there was a gallery reserved for them. Nance explained, “You don't seem to understand. We treat them right down here. They have a place. There's a place for them. Sure they'll come. Sure they're invited. There's a place set aside for them and they'll always have a seat.”

I said, “What about the Baptist Church where I'm going to speak tomorrow night?”

He said, “That's all right too. In the Baptist Church they've got a gallery just for Negroes. That'll be full.





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