Taking Whitewash Off History

"What we think of others rests largely on how they have been portrayed to us in history, says UAB historian Jack E. Davis, Ph.D., author of the new book "Race Against Time: Culture and Separation in Natchez Since 1930." Davis examines how whites in Natchez, Miss., historically have viewed themselves, their culture, blacks and the role history plays in shaping the interactions between both races. Davis says that by believing incorrectly that blacks constituted an inferior culture whites determined to keep the races separate to protect the 'superior' group from the 'inferior' group. "In reality, black and white culture were more alike than different in terms of values and ideals, and white-imposed segregation ultimately impoverished society by preventing blacks from fulfilling their cultural norms and ambitions." Contact Gail Short, Media Relations, 205-934-8931 or [email protected].