The design of the old section of the courthouse placed the 85th District Courtroom was at one end of a hallway, the County Courtroom at the other. In between are the two water fountains pictured. I walked by those water fountains for years before I realized they were remnants from the Jim Crow era. They are not functional.
In an era of renewed racial tension, I wonder how many jury panelists, waiting to be voir dired, figure out what those fountains are. Do defendants summoned to the courthouse, many of them persons of color, understand what those fountains represent?
Several years ago, I asked John M. Barron, Jr., now deceased, about Jim
Crow at the Courthouse. He was very helpful, open and accommodating about my questions. His father had been the 85th District Court judge in the 1960's. I asked him first about the water fountains. "The
one on the right had the 'Colored' sign over it" he said.
I asked John where the old "Colored" restrooms were in the courthouse. "Basement" was his reply. Access to the basement is behind a locked door off the main lobby with a sign marked "Authorized Personnel Only". Walled off. Forgotten. Not talked about. Or just ignored in plain sight like the water fountains.
Rest in peace John, and thanks. I hope to see you again, God willing. I will be seeing some of rest of you at the Courthouse, somewhere near the two water fountains.
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