Baton Rouge's Troubled Waters
This documentary (produced by LPB’s Dorothy Kendrick) chronicles the efforts of the African American community in Baton Rouge to integrate public facilities. It covers the self-sufficient black community in south Baton Rouge during segregation; the white-only City Park pool and the lack of safe swimming areas for black children; the drowning of several black children in area swimming holes; the formation of the United Negro Recreational Association (UNRA) and their work in building the playground and swimming pool at Brooks Park.
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Baton Rouge's Troubled WatersThis LPB documentary looks at life in South Baton Rouge from the late 1940's to the present. Segregationist laws often meant African Americans had separate and inferior accommodations at department stores, hospitals and doctors' offices. They had no access to many parks, pools, restaurants and hotels. Many were tolerant of the situation and only hoped and prayed for change. However, the people of South Baton Rouge were strong-willed and eventually - and deliberately - demanded change. This program reveals what happened when residents became weary after several young African Americans drowned in rivers, creeks and other water holes because segregation denied them access to City Park and its swimming pool. See how the community made strides in integrating City Hall, the local pools, public schools and the city bus system in Baton Rouge.