Indeed, discrimination against blacks is an established truism in American history and life. Whether overt or covert, subtle or blatant, mild or rabid, discrimination against blacks has been an ever-present reality within the American social order. For African-Americans, this reality is invariably associated with oppression, racism, white supremecy, segregation, inequality, brutality, and racial hatred. In this sense, the struggle to overcome discrimination has persisted as the central theme of African-American history and life.
The first anniversary of The Reflector marked a pivotal year in race relations during the Jim Crow era. From 1933 to 1934, the situation for African-Americans seemed to go from bad to worse. As the effects of the depression sunk in nationwide, African-Americans were the first to experience the downfall. This was expressed in unemployment, prejudiced legislature, and white ventilation of anger toward blacks.
However, despite these strikes against them, African-Americans in Charlottesville demonstrated the depths of their courage and strength by making several improvements and strides forward in education, political awareness, and outspoken ideas. Sellers used the Anniversary issue of the Reflector to communicate this progress and steadfastness in the community as a means of encouragement to continue and as proof to the white community of the strength of African Americans.
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