One of the hottest topics of the 1920's was home ownership. Many more people were changing from family farms to individual housing as industrialization grew and became more prominent in the culture. A black man named Dr. Ossian Sweet purchased a home in a white neighborhood. The white neighbors were not happy, as they believed that it would decrease the value of their homes and the neighborhood. The white neighbors also believed having a black man live there would possibly increase crime. The white neighbors were frustrated and began vandalizing his house (one example is by throwing rock in the windows). A few white men entered Sweet's house without permission. Sweet killed one and went to court for it arguing that any person no matter what their color or race is should have the right to defend themselves and their home.
1: Do you think the white neighbors were trying to send a message to the black community? Why or why not?
2: Why do you think segregation continued for so long even after this trial/incident?
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