Archival Object 4: 4-H Display in Lowndes County

This archival object is a picture that was photographed in Lowndes County in 1961. This picture showcases a display that teaches people of color, or as the display states "negroes" the basics of housekeeping. With the presentation of maid-like attire, it can be concluded that this display was significant in preparing the women for the roles of housewives and maids.

This picture is also significant because it indicates that even in an intensified racist state like Mississippi, there were measures being taken to promote the well-being of people of color. Additionally, it showcases how organizations were enacted to assure the development of blacks.

Arguably, the creation of this organization can be related to the extensive racial inequality in societies of the 1960s. With many people attempting to stop the advancement of the black community, this organization encouraged them to "know how," "show how," and "know why."

Who would have used it one may ask? Possibly anyone who lacked knowledge on how to effectively run their household or wanted to "learn by doing" could have used this display to find information that would lead to their betterment. Also, educators or historians could use this to showcase the history of African American women in Mississippi during intense racial times.

This display shows a direct relation to Kincaid's "Girl" because the mother in the short story expressed the importance of Kincaid knowing how to perform specific tasks that were lady-like. Likewise, the mother showed Kincaid how to perform those specific tasks and expressed why the tasks were important. "Girl" aligned with black feminist ideas, but also ideas of how women should behave and the importance of household activities that women are responsible for. These ideas all fit the "know how," "show how," and "know why" that this archival object presents.

It helps the analysis of the text because it indicates that women had lives that were dedicated to roles, and these roles were enforced by societies that relied on heteronormative gender roles to function. It also showcases the outlook of feminism. Women wanted, and still want, to break normative roles that seemingly oppress them by insinuating that they are one-dimensional.

4-H Display. 1961. Robert and Sadye Wier Papers. Manuscripts Division, Special Collections Department, Mississippi State U Libraries, Mississippi State, MS. msstate.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/charm/id/14702/rec/1. Accessed 03 Nov. 2020.