Exerlena Jackson’s husband died as a result of a car bomb outside of the International Paper Company in 1967 that made national news and was followed by what was possibly the largest FBI investigation ever conducted in southwest Mississippi and eastern Louisiana. Jackson passed away before she was able to see justice for her husband’s death.
Stories
Frank Morris Case
July 17, 2009
Curt Hewitt had moved to Concordia Parish in 1965 to operate the Morville Lounge, a gambling and prostitution hall. Hewitt quickly realized he would need to watch out for the Klu Klux Klan in this area who were as displeased by gambling and prostitution as they were with civil rights. Reported by Stanley Nelson, Matt Barnidge, and Ian Stanford.
Frank Morris Case
July 10, 2009
In a connection from New York City, to New Orleans, the Cosa Nostra mafia organization, that was allied with U.S. Sen. Huey P. Long and later Gov. Earl K. Long, monopolized and capitalized on corruption in Louisiana like never before. This brought in a hoard of gambling and prostitution that invaded every corner of Louisiana.
The Silver Dollar Group
June 11, 2009
A founder and avid member of the Klu Klux Klan Silver Dollar Group died in the winter of 1988. Earcel Boy Sr. told his son "he was afraid to die because of all the things that he had done wrong in his life."
Frank Morris Case
June 05, 2009
Frank DeLaughter, who is connected to the murder of shoe shop owner Frank Morris, has a long and treacherous past of crimes against African Americans in Concordia.
May 25, 2009
Four-plus decades does little to blunt the pain that Willie Brewster's widow, Lestine Easley, feels today.
May 24, 2009
One name often mentioned in the turbulent history of the civil rights movement in this part of Alabama is Kenneth Adams. The case of Willie Brewster, shot down by nightriders in July of 1965, is no exception.
May 24, 2009
As to the facts of the case of Willie Brewster, a man shot to death by nightriders on a lonely stretch of Alabama 202 more than four decades ago, Harry Sims is as detailed as the frayed onion-skin original report he holds out to a reporter with a shaky hand.
May 22, 2009
During the darkest days of the civil rights movement, 7-year-old Willie Brewster Jr. took his dying daddy’s hand in an Anniston hospital and held it tight as the reality of the darkest day of his young life came crashing down around him.
Frank Morris Case
May 22, 2009
Frank Morris’ shoe shop was set on fire in 1964, with him still inside. Morris stayed alive for three more days after the fire. FBI agent Paul Lancaster tried to get a 'dying declaration’ from Morris to be used as evidence in court.