about 20,000 of the oldest restaurants in Clarksdale defied segregation . Abe 's BBQ in Clarksdale was founded by Jewish immigrant Pat Davis . CLARKSDALE , Mississippi ( CNN ) -- `` We knew how the blacks must 've felt , '' says son Pat Davis . Long-time worker : Pat Davis 's is symbol of great barbecue and the civil rights struggle .
about 20,000 of the oldest restaurants in Clarksdale defied segregation . Abe 's BBQ in Clarksdale was founded by Jewish immigrant Pat Davis . `` We knew how the blacks must 've felt , '' says son Pat Davis . Long-time worker : Pat Davis 's is symbol of great barbecue and the civil rights struggle .