American Experience (1988)

Episode Overview

Title: Deadly Deluge Plot: In April 1927, the small delta town of Greenville, Mississippi, faced an overwhelming surge of racial strife triggered by a catastrophic flood. LeRoy Percy, the town's prominent planter known for his moderate views, aligned with fellow planters in denying evacuation for their African American laborers, fearing a loss of workforce. As a result, these workers found themselves at the bottom of the list for Red Cross assistance, escalating the already simmering tensions in the community.