States' Laws on Race and Color

This remarkable, hard-to-find resource is an exhaustive compilation of state laws and local ordinances in effect in 1950 that mandated racial segregation and of pre-Brown-era civil rights legislation.

The volume cites legislation from forty-eight states and the District of Columbia, and ordinances of twenty-four major cities across the country. The complete text of each law or ordinance is included, along with occasional notes about its history and the extent to which it was enforced.

Other relevant information found in the volume ranges widely: the texts of various Supreme Court rulings; international documents; federal government executive orders, departmental rules, regulations, and directives; legislation related to aliens and Native Americans; and more.

In his introduction Davison M. Douglas comments on the legislation compiled in the book and its relevance to scholars today and also provides biographical background on Pauli Murray, the attorney who was the volume's original editor.

In this volume Murray has made a useful compilation of international, federal, territorial, state, and municipal statutes. . . . This book would be a valuable addition to the library of any student of the race problem as well as a useful reference work for lawyers.--Journal of Southern History
Murray examines the laws of each state regarding race and includes items from the constitution and statutes where they apply to the subject. While all laws are not included because of the exhaustive research necessary, the volume makes readily available, state by state, information which can be utilized. Even the layman reading this reference work can get some understanding of the vagaries of the human mind as law makers spout their venom incertain of our states.--Social Work Journal
Murray has compiled an illuminating volume on the subject of racial attitudes and practices as reflected in state laws. . . . Excellent charts and useful classifications facilitate referenceand comparative study of these laws.--New England Quarterly
Murray's book is the most comprehensive, detailed and current compilation in her field of study. It includes not only the laws but the pertinent Federal decisions and regional compacts.--Journal of Negro History