"Scottsboro Boys" Pardon Date Set for November 21, 2013 in Montgomery

Three of the Scottsboro Defendants are scheduled to be pardoned on November the 21st in Montgomery, Alabama. Scottsboro's Daily Sentinel ( http://thedailysentinel.com/ )  reports in todays paper that three of the defendants are eligible for the parole; those named are "Haywood Patterson, Charley Weems and Andy Wright are to be pardoned in accordance with the Scottsboro Boys Act. " Clarence Norris was pardoned by Gov. George Wallace in 1976. Four of the defendants were exonerated in 1937. (pictured below)

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Jul 26, 1937- Titled "Enjoying Their Freedom." Byline on reverse of photo reads: Samuel Liebowitz and the 4 youths he defended in the famed Scottsboro case wave farewell as they leave for New York after viewing a movie at Cincinnati. Those freed are Eugene Williams, Roy Wright, Willie Roberson and Olen Montgomery. (original press photo owned  by G. Morgan purchased from Historical Images-Memphis, Tn. May 9, 2012)

"The Scottsboro Boys Petition": http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/assets/pdf/DS213028107.pdf

Clarion's coverage: http://www.theclarion.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7210:pardons-granted-to-three-scottsboro-boys&catid=42:clarion-rotation-stories&Itemid=142

"The Scottsboro Boys all eventually left prison, but only one — Clarence Norris — received a pardon in his lifetime...Dan Carter, a professor emeritus at the University of South Carolina who wrote a history of the case in 1970 [titled "Scottsboro, an American Tradgedy"had this to say]...Carter said he had "ambivalent feelings" about the posthumous pardon process. On the one hand, the historian said racial reconciliation was impossible "without facing up to the past." But Carter said unduly focusing on the past can distract from problems of the present." http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/09/16/scottsboro-boys-pardon/2820449/

NOT ENOUGH! I agree with Mr. Carter, this is not enough! Race Relations Education must be taught in our schools if we are to make definitive strides in ending racism. There is no effort to facilitate a race relations education program. There is no effort to correct the disparity of African Americans in our prisons. It is my opinion that this action was a glory grab by politicians and individuals who were out for self promotion.

Racism is a personal and institutional sickness which many are in denial. White folks and political leaders today cannot wash their hands of the racial injustice that occurred in Jim Crow America. Racism is still alive and well today in Alabama and across our nation. This is why it is vitally important that a comprehensive program of race relations education be implemented within Alabama.

WHITE GUILT? In the eyes of white politicians this is their answer-a PARDON for the deceased defendants, victims of racism and Jim Crow injustice.. I wonder if this pardon is subconsciously an effort to pardon themselves. This pardon process is woefully short of the answer to a growing problem of  racial and sexual discrimination practiced today in our nation, including current Alabama politicians.

"NEVER TO LATE FOR JUSTICE: Bro. Clarence Norris Jr., son of Scottsboro Boy Clarence Norris Sr., Speaks Out on The Scottsboro Boys' Pardon and Exoneration..."
4/19/2013




A comprehensive report on The Scottsboro Boys Trials 1931-1937 by Professor Douglas Linder  http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/scottsboro/scottsb.htm

Scottsboro residents upset over long-standing drainage problem

Click on image to expand view.

Update: August 25, 2010--At a meeting at St. Paul AME Church last night, Rev. Anderson stated he had met with the Mayor and other city officials to include FEMA representatives. Officials have suggested that residents which were flooded should move. It was stated property owners homes will be purchased and new homes will be made available at no charge to the current property owners. Currently flood victims are staying in area motels. Food assistance is being provided. Rev Anderson stated the motel stays will be extended, FEMA trailers will be made available as well as public housing. It was stated efforts are being made to acquire furniture to replace lost furniture. Fund raisers are scheduled at St.Paul Church, North Houston St., Friday and Saturday at 6PM. City council Meeting Link: http://arklite.blogspot.com/2010/08/city-council-meeting-monday-august-23.html

Cost of improved drainage could cost $17 million. http://thedailysentinel.com/story.lasso?ewcd=6818d2b02874b883

A helping hand. http://thedailysentinel.com/story.lasso?ewcd=7f473e4cf6e400ae

History of flooding. http://thedailysentinel.com/story.lasso?ewcd=54e73eae2aef599f


Video Link: Storms cause heavy flooding in Scottsboro
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Story Link: Scottsboro residents upset over long-standing drainage problem - WAFF.com: North Alabama News, Radar, Weather, Sports and Jobs-

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Flooding faults...It's their fault, no it's their fault, no it's their fault. No who's on first, no whose on second. Double talk and refusal to accept responsibility.

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Priorities...Recreation or infrastructure? Failed drainage, urban blight, neglect. But new soccer fields, tennis courts and a splash park are far more important than adequate infrastructure to prevent flooding. The continued neglect of the minority community can not be tolerated. You witness the results of this trend of continuing neglect on the above video link.

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Recreation Project will cost near $4 million dollars. http://arklite.blogspot.com/2010/08/scottsboro-city-council.html
http://thedailysentinel.com/story.lasso?ewcd=d696a97a94680997

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Priorities seem to be confused with our current leadership. Which is more important, infrastructure or recreation?

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Here's the problem folks, a larger well planned drainage system usually does not have a nice big bronze "vanity plaque" on it that lists those who built the ditch. Maybe a large "vanity plaque" should be erected with a drainage project, maybe then an adequate drainage system could be built.
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A larger well planned drainage system will cost many millions but it must be accomplished or we will experiance flooding problems on a much more frequent basis due to development changing the course of smaller waterways and over stressing historical area drainage. Changing climate patterns will also result in more extremes in weather. Scottsboro's drainage system must be improved sooner rather than later and must receive a high priority.

Scottsboro Boys Museum Needs Your Help

In our society's communities there comes a time for measurements of a community's values. What are the citizens values and attitudes, what do the people value in a community? Where injustice has occurred how do citizens work to establish their image to the city, county, state, the nation and the world. The time has come for Scottsboro and Alabama's citizens to measure their values relating to race relations.

 

79 years ago, almost to the day, 9 teenage boys were accused of raping 2 white girls, March 25, 1931. The resulting series of cases become known as the Scottsboro Boys Case. The veil of time has been parted to reveal the truth of the Scottsboro Trials. The cases were a trumped up charge which told the story of racism in Jim Crow America.

The Scottsboro case occurred 7 months after 3 African Americans were kidnapped out of the Marion, Indiana jail where they had been arrested for allegations of raping a white girl. 1 youth escaped 2 were murdered by the Ku Klux Klan by hanging. Fears were rampant that the same would occur in Scottsboro.

History reflects a show of force and cooler heads prevailed in Scottsboro. History also reflects bigotry in Jim Crow Alabama resulted in other than a fair jury trial in Scottsboro and the subsequent cases.

I have traveled around the world in my near 58 years of life. In my travels discussion will eventually come around to "where are you from?" I always proudly answer Scottsboro, Alabama.

Many folks equate Scottsboro with Unclaimed Baggage, within the past 20 years, "snake handling," the Scottsboro case and the stereotype that Scottsboro represents in racism and bigotry. The Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center provides an opportunity to reverse the negative stereotype of Scottsboro, Alabama, to heal the wounds and scars of Jim Crow Alabama and the personal bigotry of a few.

I have recorded the history of the Scottsboro Boys Museum since it opened on December 20, 2009 on this blog. A deal was struck with caring and concerned leadership within the North Alabama United Methodist Conference to occupy the building while the museum staff raise funds for purchasing of the longest standing African American Church in Scottsboro and Jackson County, Alabama. Built in 1878, rebuilt in 1904. The church was literally built by former slaves. The African American Community has purchased this Church many times over in the 132 years it has been in existence. The community, the Methodist Church and all good people have an opportunity to demonstrate exactly where their values lie. Some have stepped up and made big contributions. Senator Lowell Barron, Representatives John Robinson and Butch Taylor are just a few. The Harbin family, the Maples family, Dr Pitts and family of Huntsville, Al. and many others. We have raised $42, 000 dollars but we need $33,000 more for the purchase of the building and property. The United Methodist Conference is asking $75,000 for the property.

No one knows what the future will bring, however I know that an opportunity presents itself to resolve an inequity of history and end a negative stereotype about Scottsboro, Alabama. An opportunity to heal old wounds and educate citizens about the importance of the Scottsboro Boys case and how the case was the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement. I know there is no better place to do this than a historical African American Church in Scottsboro, Alabama.

Some have said buying or selling Joyce Chapel is just business, I answer those who would say this loudly, NO IT IS NOT JUST BUSINESS!

Joyce Chapel represents the plight of African Americans in Alabama and specifically Scottsboro. Joyce Chapel represents whether a religious institution places money before souls, the community and the cultural heritage of our nation. Joyce Chapel represents the sacrifice of a people and their religious heritage. Joyce Chapel and The Scottsboro Boys Museum represents America, Alabama, Scottsboro, the Methodists and Christian religious values in general. Now all involved must answer, where do their values and hearts lie? Will there be a celebration of progress in a 21st Century Scottsboro or an epitaph of a dead opportunity and a continuation of a negative stereotype about Scottsboro and proof that a culture of racism exists in 21st Century Alabama institutions and people? How will this chapter of Joyce Chapel's history and that of Scottsboro be recorded?

You fellow citizens and readers have a chance to determine how the history of Joyce Chapel and the Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center will be recorded.

 

Garry Morgan, Historian, Scottsboro Boys Museum

Department of Defense Race Relations/Equal Opportunity Specialist

U.S. Army Retired

Story in The Daily Sentinel by Dwight Patterson: http://www.thedailysentinel.com/story.lasso?ewcd=73f8ab5de4e0f777

Story and Comments on "Left in Alabama." http://www.leftinalabama.com/diary/5939/scottsboro-boys-museums-future-is-in-doubt

The Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center, Black History Month Program, February 14, 2010

Mrs. Doris Hutchins of Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church plays piano for the Stevenson, Alabama Youth choir.

Singers from the Stevenson Youth Choir grace the halls of Joyce Chapel with beautiful sounds of soulful music.

Rev. Gary Speers delivers welcome speech. Rev. Speers is a Scottsboro City Council Member and on the Board of Directors of the Scottsboro Jackson County Multicultural Heritage Foundation and Scottsboro Boys Museum Executive Committee member. Mr. Speers has been instrumental in assuring this museum has come to fruition.

Mrs. Kim Speers, Board of Directors Scottsboro Jackson County Multicultural Heritage Foundation and Scottsboro Boys Museum Executive Committee member. Ms. Speers spoke on African American History. Ms. Speers is a Librarian for the Scottsboro City Schools system.

How beautiful the youthful voices sounded in the 106 year old Joyce Chapel. Joyce Chapel was originally built in 1878 and rebuilt in 1904.

The Stevenson, Alabama Youth choir sung several songs.

Mrs. Hutchins tells the group of 20 on this cold February day about how special the museum is to Jackson County and our nation.

Mr. J.D. Stevens and wife. Mr. Stevens told the group about several stories he remembers from the 1940's.

The Scottsboro Boys in Scottsboro with full contingent of National Guard. This is a very rare picture from The Progressive Age, Apr. 4, 1931. Mr. Mel Klepper donated the newspaper to the museum.

Ms. Sheila Washington delivers invocation. Ms. Washington was the initial driving force for the museum. Ms. Washington also made a presentation related to little known facts of Black history in our nation.

Mr. Franklin McDaniels played several songs on the harmonica. Mr. McDaniels has a fantastic baritone voice as was evident from an archipelago presentation.. Music was a very special part of today's event.

Today's guest speaker was Ms. Frazine Taylor. Ms. Taylor will be rescheduled due to inclimate weather as she lives in Montgomery. Ms. Taylor is the Author of "Researching African American Genealogy in Alabama: A Resource Guide."

The group was small today, 20, due to inclement weather, however this was one of the most interesting and spiritually moving sessions to date.

Many thanks to all who attended and made this event possible.

Dedication of The Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center

It has been a while since Joyce Chapel has witnessed near 100 folks enter this historic church. YouTube video from "Left in Alabama" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-YFQRpq-O4 Monday's museum dedication-opening and beginning of Black History Month video links: WAFF TV 48

Updated March 19, 2021 - WAFF - TV Ch48, Historical Archives to the stories - https://www.waff.com/search/Scottsboro%20Boys%20Museum/1/

Many thanks for WAFF's historical archives. Most of the old story filings can not be found, except in WAFF's archives.

  http://www.waff.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?ClipID1=4507273&h1=Scottsboro%20museum%20opens%20to%20tell%20civil%2 WAAY-TV 31 http://www.waaytv.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?ClipID1=4508528&h1=Scottsboro%20Boys%20Museum&vt1=v&at1=News&d1=64900&LaunchPageAdTag=SearchResults&activePane=info&rnd=29640373 earlier WAAY video http://www.waaytv.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?ClipID1=4504390&h1=Scottsboro%20Boys%20Museum&vt1=v&at1=News&d1=28300&LaunchPageAdTag=Search%20Results&activePane=info&rnd=95527846

Reverend and Scottsboro City Councilman Gary Speers discusses the Scottsboro Boys Case. Rev. spears delivered the Prayer of Dedication.

Greetings and welcome. "Left in Alabama" story on the museum opening and dedication. http://www.leftinalabama.com/diary/5639/scottosboro-boys-museum-grand-opening-remembrance-prayer-song

Mrs. Louise Toliver greets folks as they enter Joyce Chapel. Mrs. Toliver is on the right of the picture.

Mayor Melton Potter delivers greetings and the Black History Month Proclamation. Left to Right, Councilman Keith Smith, Reverend and Councilman Gary Speers, Mayor Potter, Mrs. Kim Speers, Executive Committee Scottsboro Boys Museum & Cultural Center, Rev. Cliff Parrish and Ms Sheila Washington both Executive Committee Scottsboro Boys Museum & Cultural Center.

Mr. Franklin McDaniels plays Amazing Grace on the harmonica. One of the fantastic aspects of this beautiful old church is the sound.

Huntsville Times link on the opening: http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/local.ssf?/base/news/1265105722324480.xml&coll=1

WAFF-TV 48 News link: http://www.waff.com/Global/story.asp?S=11915758

UPDATE March 19, 2021 - Al.com archives link to stories about the Scottsboro Boys Museum: https://www.al.com/search/?q=Scottsboro%20Boys%20Museum

Many thanks to al.com for the historical archives

February's African American History Month events are listed. Click on the picture to view a close up of the schedule.

The museum opening times in March will be every 2nd and 3rd Saturday from 10AM to 4PM. Other times by appointment. Ph # 256-244-1310.

"Fiat justitia ruat caelum, Let justice be done though the heavens fall." http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/FTrials/scottsboro/SB_BHort.html

Excuse my notes on the program. (Click on any picture for an expanded view.)

Judge James E. Horton's Granddaughter Mrs. Cathy Horton Garrett. Mrs. Garrett delivered a wonderful speech concerning her Grandfather's commitment to justice.

"Grandaddy blessed my life as a grandfather and blessed many in the world with his decision. He was an ordinary man who did an extraordinary thing."

Ms. Lecia Brooks, Southern Poverty Law Center, Civil rights Museum Director, Montgomery, Alabama. Ms. Brooks pointed out there are 926 hate groups which are currently known to operate in the United States. Several are located in the North Alabama area.

"It takes a strong courageous community to say we will not hide our history...to heal and say in one united voice, this will never happen again."

From left to right, State Representatives Butch Taylor, Representative John Robinson presents a check for $1000 to Ms. Sheila Washington and Mr. Gary Speers, Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center Executive Committee.

Mrs. Kim Speers, Executive Committee Scottsboro Boys Museum & Cultural Center, Librarian Brownwood Elementary School, delivers welcome speech. "The truth shall set you free."

News Crews from around North Alabama were filming the event. WAFF-48's story: http://www.waff.com/Global/story.asp?S=11915758 WAAY-31's story: http://www.waaytv.com/Global/story.asp?S=11912625 See above videos.

Many thanks to these fine people, left to right, Mr. Garrett, Ms. Brooks, Mrs. Kathy Horton-Garrett, Mrs. Horton, Judge Horton's daughter-in-law and Kathy's mother.

Rep. Robinson and Rep. Taylor.

David Brewer of the Huntsville Times, Scottsboro Mayor Melton Potter, Ms. Sheila Washington discuss the museum.

Reverend Cliff Parrish and Ms. Brooks discuss the museum.

Martin Luther King Day January 18, 2010, Joyce Chapel, Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center

Speakers join arms in unity as was accomplished during the March 1965 Selma to Montgomery March against the oppression of Alabama Jim Crow Laws during the Selma and Montgomery Civil Rights March.

Left to right, Rev. Cliff Parrish, Dr. Desiree McGann, Rev. Gary Speers, Rev. Donna King, Rev. King delivered the Benediction, Rev. Johnny Johnson, Rev. Johnson delivered the Invocation.

Rev. Gary Speers, Scottsboro City Council Member, Museum Executive Committee, Scottsboro Jackson County Multi-Cultural Heritage Foundation Board of Directors presents Certificate of Appreciation to Dr. Desiree McGann, DPM.

City Council President Matthew Hodges presents Key to the City of Scottsboro to Dr. McGann

Dr. Desiree McGann, Podiatrist, delivers Key Note address during this years Dr. King Day Celebration at the historic Joyce Chapel, home of the Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center. Dr. McGann spoke of the fortitude of Judge Horton in the Scottsboro Boys Case. Morgan County Circuit Judge Horton threw out the guilty verdict of the jury stating there was no proof of the defendant's guilt. Dr. McGann's comment on Judge Horton's ruling, "He did it because the truth mattered." Absolutely Dr. McGann, Judge Horton was not reelected during his next bid for reelection. Judge Horton was a man of high moral principle.

Ms Sheila Washington, Museum Executive Committee and Scottsboro Jackson County Multi-Cultural Heritage Foundation Board of Directors welcomes guests to this years event.

Ms. Stephanie Speers leads audience in Lift Every Voice and Sing.

Ms. Speers and Ms. Cotton.

Ms. Zhantiarra Cotton sings The National Anthem.

Ms. Cotton plays musical selection on piano.

Ceremonial posting of colors byBoy Scout Troop 220.

Rev Cliff Parrish, Museum Executive Committee, Board of Directors Scottsboro Jackson County Multi-Cultural Heritage Foundation delivers Call to Order

Mr. Gordon Hodges, Scout Master, Troop 220 discusses the museum's displays with State Representative John Robinson.

Participants visit with friends and fellow citizens for fellowship.

Mr. Mel Klepper, left, presents the museum with a Progressive Age newspaper covering the Scottsboro Boys trial, April 4, 1931. Rep. Robinson on left, Rev. Speers center.

 

January 18, 2010, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration Joyce Chapel, Scottsboro, Alabama. Citizens participate in ceremonies.