Two markers will memorialize the tragic and shameful events that occurred here in the spring of 1917.
Both markers, approved Thursday by the Shelby County Historical Commission, will mention the two victims of those events.
Antoinette Rappel, a 15-year-old white girl who was brutally assaulted and murdered on her way to school April 30, 1917.
Ell Persons, a 50-something black woodcutter accused of the crime who was brutally assaulted and murdered by a lynch mob May 22 that year.
Both markers will document the racist rush to judgment that allowed killers to go free...
*NOTE: the article states that LSP has "confirmed the location of 24 lynchings and they're seeking documentation on 12 more." This is slightly inaccurate. We have solidly confirmed 24 lynchings as having happened, and there are 12 others that need further documentation, however we do not yet have exact locations for most of the lynchings.
David Waters, Commercial Appeal 
