This is the story of the blacks of Mississippi, their efforts to gain the advantages that freedom" promised, and the frustration of most of those efforts by relentless natural and cultural forces. A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.