Okay, so I was born in Beaumont, and I’ve known many people from Vidor or lived there for a period of time. It boggles my mind this was present and alive and well even when I lived there. I cannot even think of a single time I even had glimpses into the racial torture/discrimination that was widely going on over there. I do remember hearing that Port Arthur was for “black people” who “didn’t work and relied on the government for everything”, and to stay out of there after dark. It’s crazy to see what my parents sheltered me from.

Honestly, I only read the article because it shocks me when I see people talking about places I grew up in. I am so glad I chose this one to read because it helps me to understand a lot more about the area I grew up in. Quite sobering to think of. I’d be interested in reading more of your observations about the place of your birth, so I’ll be following you. Thank you so much!