Migration panel 12. The railroad stations were at times so over-packed with people leaving that special guards had to be called in to keep order.

Train travel served as an escape for many black southerners, but came with restrictions such as daily humiliations and dangers; the results of segregation. Lawrence portrays two white figures standing tall with batons in hand, watching African American men, women, and children closely as they line up to buy train tickets to leave the South. These white figures intently oversee every move these travelers make. There is a sense of eagerness in the painting throughout the crowd; however there is an overall tone of tension from the restraints and pressures placed upon them. The following message is conveyed: one must essentially be careful and mindful of each and every move if they sincerely want to leave the South.
SKU: 65208
Creator: Jacob Lawrence
Date: 1940-41
Original Medium: Tempera on gesso on composition board
Original Size: 12 x 18 in
Location: Museum of Modern Art, NY
© 2016 The Jacob and Gwendolyn Knight Lawrence Foundation, Seattle / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York