"Studying our violent history, with courage and the Lynching Sites Project"
What does it take to bring a past wrought with racism into the present, to provide truth and justice through unfiltered education? History tells us it is something you and I possess: courage.
A murder deserves justice whether it happened yesterday or more than 160 years ago. When we try, in the words of Ida B. Wells, to right wrongs by shining the light of truth on them, we begin to show the courage it takes to correct the transgressions of those who came before us.
A couple say farewell to Memphis after 'grueling but healing' work on the Lynching Sites Project, by David Waters
A couple say farewell to Memphis after 'grueling but healing' work on the Lynching Sites Project
by David Waters
The Daily Memphian
About 50 family, friends and fans gathered at Caritas Village one day last week to say goodbye to Rev. Randall Mullins and his wife, Sharon Pavelda. They are moving to the Seattle area.
Phyllis Aluko’s Swearing In Ceremony
Randall Mullins and Sharon Pavelda, founding members of The Lynching Sites Project of Memphis, were honored to attend the swearing-in ceremony today of the first female County Public defender, our very own Phyllis Aluko. She also made history as the first African American in the office here in Shelby County!
Race Cards
Too often, discussions about race either stay at surface-level or happen only among audiences steeped in knowledge about sociology, history, systemic racism and privilege. The goal of the Race Cards is to facilitate honest, authentic discussion around race in a way that is accessible to everyone.
Research Interviews of Families/Descendants of Victims of Fatal Racial Violence
Dr. Shytierra Gaston, a criminal justice professor at Northeastern University in Boston, MA, is currently recruiting and interviewing families/descendants of victims of fatal racial violence (including racial lynchings) that occurred in the U.S. anytime after 1865. The purpose of the study is to document the intergenerational harms of racial violence, give voice to families, and illuminate the role of the government (e.g., the police) in racial violence and oppression.
Please see flyer below for details about the interviews.
REMEMBERING THE VICTIMS OF THE OCOEE MASSACRE by Matthew Peddie (WMFE)
REMEMBERING THE VICTIMS OF THE OCOEE MASSACRE
by Matthew Peddie (WMFE)
A group of activists and historians has been working to recognize the victims of the Ocoee massacre on election day in 1920.
Getting Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable by Rev. Thomas A. Momberg
GETTING COMFORTABLE WITH BEING UNCOMFORTABLE
A Sermon on Luke 6:27-36
Sometimes, you just have to tear up your sermon and start all over again. That's what Traci Blackmon, a black United Church of Christ pastor said to Mike Kinman, a white Episcopal priest, the day after Michael Brown was shot and died in Ferguson, Missouri - August 9, 2014.
Thoughts on Black History by John Ashworth
An oft-asked question during February, what is the purpose of a Black History Month?
LSP Board President Transition
My Friends;
LEADERSHIP IN THE LSP AND HIGH-FLYING GEESE by Randall Mullins
Since early 2016 I have attempted to encourage a spirit of leadership in the Lynching Sites Project modeled after high-flying geese, but I have never taken the time to spell that out fully. I want to do that here with some examples from the LSP story.
There are 6 character traits of high-flying geese which offer profound teaching about leadership, communion with one another, and flying well as an organization:
1. Keeping Company with the Fallen
'Piecemeal' efforts at equality drove this retired Memphis minister to a more radical path
'Piecemeal' efforts at equality drove this retired Memphis minister to a more radical path
by David Waters, Commercial Appeal
When the Rev. Fred Morton began his ministry in Whitehaven, in the midst of the racial tensions of early 1968, he thought he was ready for the challenge.
LSP Receives the Zion Preservation Award from the Zion Community Project
The Lynching Sites Project of Memphis received the Zion Preservation Award from the Zion Community Project at its Tenth Annual Fundraising Benefit on November 1 st at Rhodes College. The Zion Project manages the conservation of the historic Zion Cemetery, burial grounds for over 30,000 African-Americans. The organization noted LSP’s commitment to recognize victims of racial terror and its strong desire for community inclusion. Board President Laura Gettys, along with Project Leader Leonard Blakely, who substituted for VP Iris Love-Scott accepted the honor on behalf of LSP.
