Was the white prison population in the 60s higher than black

Not really. There was segregation still in the early 60s. Martin LK didn't make an appearance until his speech in 1963 and black people got the right to vote in 1965. Yet again, black people were still heavily judged and they were blamed for a lot of mistakes other people would make. So no. The white prison population was not higher.

Yes, some people used the depression to the max. not everybody had stocks, and those that didn't bought many things inexpensive, so that when prices rose again, they were much more richer than beforehope this