In the early 1900's, how did US politicians treat black dignitaries from other countries?

Question

Are there any historical records of US politicians (especially southern politicians) treating black dignitaries (especially royalty) with great pomp and ceremony, while simultaneously and hypocritically refusing to acknowledge the equality of the black people living in America? Perhaps prejudice was also shown to the visiting dignitaries, but I'm curious to know if there are any examples of a double-standard.

Answer 1

This is a question that you have to think about. Not many countries at this time would even consider using black dignitaries, as they would not receive equal treatment or consideration. Now there would be no reason for foreign dignitaries to travel to the south, as it is not where the country holds its power (think DC, NY, LA instead). Naturally then outright racism shown towards black dignitaries was not present, as the north was not as open in their prejudice.

To answer the main part of the question, how would a black dignitary be treated in genera? Well one must understand, that these black men represented a whole country and therefore where treated as such. This would usually result in these men being treated as honored guests in ceremonies, although most likely not too often in public to keep the public from thinking the President was overly pro black. Much of the ceremony was a shield to hide what was really going on. It showed the dignitaries respect to their face but, really there was no real respect to be had. The opinions of the dignitaries meant nothing to the US government for he most part, as they were lesser people from lesser countries.