Louisiana. State Sovereignty Commission

Organization

Staff Only

Historical Note

The Louisiana State Sovereignty Commission was formed in June 1960 and based out of the State Capitol in Baton Rouge. It was modeled on the Mississippi State Sovereignty Commission, the Louisiana commission’s philosophy mirrored that of the Mississippi commission and similar organizations throughout southern states in that it espoused states rights, anti-communist and segregationist ideas, with a particular focus on maintaining the status quo in race relations. It was closely allied with the Louisiana Joint Legislative Committee on Un-American Activities.

Citation:

Author: Christopher Harter

Abstract:

Adam Fairclough. Race and Democracy: The Civil Rights Struggle in Louisiana, 1915-1972. Athens, GA: University of Georgia Press, 1995.

Found in 2 Collections and/or Records:

Louisiana State Sovereignty Commission poster

Collection — Container: Small Collection

Identifier: 2513

Scope and Contents

This undated poster, measuring 14" x 22", was produced and distributed by the Louisiana State Sovereignty Commission "in the interest of constitutional government." It features an image of Robert E. Lee along with a biographical paragraph on Lee between banner text reading: "This is Your Heritage – Protect It!" The poster was produced to encourage supporters of the Commission and its views to register and vote.

Dates: Created: 1960s; Other: Date acquired: 02/27/2015

Found in: Amistad Research Center / Louisiana State Sovereignty Commission poster

Natalie Midlo collection

Collection — Container: 1 box

Identifier: 253

Scope and Contents This collection of approximately 70 items contains correspondence, bulletins, newspaper clippings, programs, sample forms, questionnaires, and sermons collected by Natalie Midlo. These materials reflect her civic activism and support of civil rights and school desegregation. Several items are from esoteric groups and express anti-Semitic and racist views, support segregated schools and white supremacy, state sovereignty, and other social and political issues. Included is an...

Dates: Created: 1830-1973; Other: Majority of material found in 1946-1973; Other: Date acquired: 02/01/1971

Found in: Amistad Research Center / Natalie Midlo collection