Monroe, North Carolina in 1925 was one of many Southern communities where black folks endured the oppressive reign of lynch law. The town was marked by pervasive "Whites Only" signs, extending even to public spaces like the library and swimming pool.

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A rigidly segregated environment prevailed, with all levels of white society and government steadfastly dedicated to upholding racial inequality. Speaking out against this system subjected black individuals to brutal and sadistic violence, while convoys of Ku Klux Klan members routinely drove through black neighborhoods, indiscriminately firing their weapons.

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The town was effectively controlled by the local white aristocracy, which prominently included the Helms family. Old Man Helms held the position of sheriff in Union County, with Monroe as its seat, while his son Jesse became a North Carolina senator affiliated with the Ku Klux Klan.

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The Helms family and other racist ruling families played a crucial role in maintaining Monroe as a stronghold for Duke Power and the tobacco companies that wielded substantial influence over North Carolina. Furthermore, the Southern Railroad, now known as Norfolk Southern, fell under the control of the J.P. Morgan banking house in New York.

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Preserving Monroe's "safety" entailed suppressing the aspirations of black communities and actively obstructing the formation of unions, a reality that contributes to North Carolina's persistently low ranking in terms of unionized workers among the states.

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@Deglassco

Nikki Haley boasts about her anti-unionism.

Republicans aren't anti-communist, they are anti-democracy.

https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/nikki-haley-unions-gop-2024/

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/feb/14/nikki-haley-video-states-secede-secession-republican-south-carolina

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-04-17/nikki-haley-proud-union-buster-at-boeing-south-carolina-i8lpjuao#xj4y7vzkg

https://www.fitsnews.com/2016/03/01/nikki-haley-cant-stand-unions-unless-shes-employing-them/