It's hard to believe, but having African-American members of the Greenwood Country Club is still a topic of amazement and current discussion. Yet, the Greenwood Commonwealth newspaper ran a lengthy story today about the issue.

"A couple of years ago, Dr. Roger Huey and his family joined the Greenwood Country Club.

What made their entry into the invitation-only membership of the private social club remarkable was their race, African American.

Since then, the Hueys have moved from Greenwood, but two other African-American couples have joined the 400-member club.

The 85-year-old Greenwood Country Club - originally white and Protestant - has offered memberships for decades to persons who are Jewish and Catholic and to those who are of Asian and Middle Eastern descent.

Most white members think the addition of African Americans is no big deal, said Charles Bowman, an architect and lifelong resident of Greenwood.

"People judge people on how they act," said Bowman, who is white.

Banker Jim Quinn, another white member, said, "Personally, I think it has gone just fine."

Both talked about getting to know black members Tony Johnson and Dr. Moses Newsome, who are associated with Mississippi Valley State University.

Johnson joined the club two years ago and Newsome a year ago."

The rest of the article is here.

But do the math: 400 members, two are black. The Mississippi Delta is about 50% black.

Much of this, perhaps most of this disparity, is economic. And the economic disparity? Clearly the result of historical racism combined with poor public school education and a lack of jobs and other economic opportunities.