James Eastland 1904 1986

Background Information Born in Doddsville, MS to cotton planter parents Took over the plantation in Sunflower County and helped it grow to over 6,000 acres Attended Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, and the University of Alabama

Born in Doddsville, MS to cotton planter parents

Took over the plantation in Sunflower County and helped it grow to over 6,000 acres

Attended Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, and the University of Alabama

Career Worked as a lawyer in rural Mississippi Served one term in the Mississippi House of Representatives Was appointed as a U.S. Senator in 1941 Was elected in 1943 and served for 35 years until his retirement in 1978 When he retired he was the highest ranking Senator in the nation

Worked as a lawyer in rural Mississippi

Served one term in the Mississippi House of Representatives

Was appointed as a U.S. Senator in 1941

Was elected in 1943 and served for 35 years until his retirement in 1978

When he retired he was the highest ranking Senator in the nation

Famous Quote “ The Southern institution of racial segregation or racial separation was the correct, self-evident truth which arose from the chaos and confusion of the Reconstruction period. Separation promotes racial harmony. It permits each race to follow its own pursuits, and its own civilization. Segregation is not discrimination… Mr. President, it is the law of nature, it is the law of God, that every race has both the right and the duty to perpetuate itself. All free men have the right to associate exclusively with members of their own race, free from governmental interference, if they so desire.”

“ The Southern institution of racial segregation or racial separation was the correct, self-evident truth which arose from the chaos and confusion of the Reconstruction period. Separation promotes racial harmony. It permits each race to follow its own pursuits, and its own civilization. Segregation is not discrimination… Mr. President, it is the law of nature, it is the law of God, that every race has both the right and the duty to perpetuate itself. All free men have the right to associate exclusively with members of their own race, free from governmental interference, if they so desire.”