"The discrimination is not made openly, but a Negro who goes to such places is informed that there are no accommodations, or he is overlooked and otherwise slighted, so that he does not come again"

In this quote, Ray Stannard Baker is explaining the subtle and insidious nature of discrimination against African Americans. He discusses that it is not constantly overt or explicit, however rather takes the form of exemption and mistreatment. When a Black person efforts to gain access to particular places or services, they are either informed that there are no accommodations available for them or they are deliberately neglected and treated with disrespect. This kind of discrimination is not constantly apparent to outsiders, but it develops a hostile and unwelcoming environment for Black individuals, eventually dissuading them from returning. Baker's words highlight the prevalent and systemic nature of racism in society.