"WHEN WE CATCH FARMER, WE'RE GOING TO LYNCH HIM"

On September 1, 1963, in Plaquemine, Louisiana, two young Black girls heard State Troopers utter these words during what became known as the Plaquemine Riot. The event featured demonstrations, marches, clashes with authorities using horses, electric prods, tear gas, and fire hoses. Plymouth Rock Baptist Church was central to the Civil Rights movement in the area. A Sleepy Town Awakens recounts the fight for integration in Plaquemine, with Black Leaders (CORE and NAACP) opposing local authorities and law enforcement. Each side used tactics such as boycotts, demonstrations, ordinances, restraining orders and police force to pursue their aims. A Sleepy Town Awakens describes the key civil rights actions in Plaquemine, Louisiana, including voter drives, integration efforts, sit-ins, marches, a High School Lunchroom Boycott, and CORE Leader, James Farmer, being secreted out of Town in a coffin. These events drew national attention, led to legal battles, and resulted in the election of a new 31-year-old former State Trooper over a longtime incumbent as Iberville Parish’s Sheriff. A Sleepy Town Awakens examines how a small South Louisiana town’s African American community worked to change a segregated culture once viewed as liberal for its region. Although initial civil rights efforts did not yield immediate success, they raised awareness of systemic injustice. With the passage of the Federal Civil Rights laws, the community’s goals were achieved, though not without losses and sacrifices along the way.

Phil Canova is a retired lawyer, having served as City Attorney/City Prosecutor for the City of Plaquemine and the City of St. Gabriel for over 30 years. He continues to volunteer time to the Iberville Museum Association to bring the rich, diverse and unique history of Plaquemine and Iberville Parish to everyone.