'A Report From Occupied Territory' By James Baldwin

“A Report from Occupied Territory” by James Baldwin paints a vivid picture of the relationship between blacks and white police officers in the 1960’s. This article exposes the lack of social tolerance for the negro during this time. In the article, Baldwin states “… the police are simply the hired enemies of this population. They are present to keep the Negro in his place and to protect white business interests…” This statement reflects the bitterness many black people felt towards policeman during this time. The article also includes the story of a thirty-one-year-old salesman who was severely beaten by the police for asking why they were beating on a young black boy. Baldwin states “Perhaps some sense of what it means to live in occupied