More Blood-Shed
January 2, 1897
Summary
The Richmond Planet’s reaction to six “colored” men lynched in Kentucky.
Transcription
The announcement is made that six colored men have been lynched in Kentucky in as many days. Dark skinned citizens are being hunted upon the soil of that benighted state as though they were wild beasts, and- the law was silent.
That state of anarchy exists no one will gainsay or deny. The commission of any crime by any member of the despised race is take as an excuse for the murder of the other persons of the same hue.
We confess that our mind is made up as to what course to pursue. Where the state and local authorities fail to protect us we believe in performing that duty ourselves, and with whatever weapon and in whatever way will best suit the circumstances surrounding the case.
It is all humbug to talk about the standing still and being butchered in order to have peace. When colored men will see to it that the reports of their ill treatment and murder are followed by the death of some of their murderers, a better state of affairs will prevail and justice loving white men will respect us for having exhibited those qualities of manhood-courage which has made nations great and cause their deeds of valor to be handed down to their children in song and story.
Lynch-law must go!
That state of anarchy exists no one will gainsay or deny. The commission of any crime by any member of the despised race is take as an excuse for the murder of the other persons of the same hue.
We confess that our mind is made up as to what course to pursue. Where the state and local authorities fail to protect us we believe in performing that duty ourselves, and with whatever weapon and in whatever way will best suit the circumstances surrounding the case.
It is all humbug to talk about the standing still and being butchered in order to have peace. When colored men will see to it that the reports of their ill treatment and murder are followed by the death of some of their murderers, a better state of affairs will prevail and justice loving white men will respect us for having exhibited those qualities of manhood-courage which has made nations great and cause their deeds of valor to be handed down to their children in song and story.
Lynch-law must go!
About this article
Source
Location on Page
Upper Left Quadrant
Topic
Contributed By
Brian Schrott
Citation
“More Blood-Shed,” Black Virginia: The Richmond Planet, 1894-1909, accessed May 12, 2025, https://blackvirginia.richmond.edu/items/show/17.