African American Sharecroppers 1890 Black Child Farmworkers Mississippi Photo

DETAILS: Original stereoview photograph of a group of African American sharecroppers along with their children. Note the white man on horseback in the background. Measures 7" x 3.5" inches. They were often trapped in a cycle of debt due to exploitative practices by landlords and merchants. This system, which was also used by white farmers, emerged after the Civil War as a way for former slaves to work the land while also providing cheap labor for landowners who lacked cash for wages. Despite the initial promise of economic independence, the system was characterized by high-interest rates and restrictive land uses which lead the black sharecroppers to become contractually servants indebted to wealthy landowners. The system was abolished in the mid 20th century. Oxxbridge Galleries was founded in 1987 and specializes in vintage paper items with a particular focus on historical photographs.