lynching

In 1936, in front of an estimated 20,000 spectators, Rainey Bethea was hanged in Owensboro at the last public execution in the United States. A new book by an Owensboro native examines Bethea's case and lynch culture in America.

History

20,000 people watched a Black man hang in Owensboro 90 years ago. A new book looks at why

Derek Operle

A new book from a Kentucky native details the last public hanging in the United States, which took place in Owensboro 1936, and examines it through the lens of lynch culture in America.

This week, Rep. Paul Sherrell, R-Sparta, suggested an amendment to a measure to add alternative procedures for carrying out executions that would include hanging by a tree.

Government & Politics

Tennessee Black Caucus calls for resignation of lawmaker whose bill amendment would bring back lynching

Blaise Gainey

Lethal injection for Tennessee’s death row inmates has been on pause since last April. In the meantime, one lawmaker is proposing the use of electric chairs and firing squads as alternatives. There’s an uproar, however, against an even harsher proposal. The Criminal Justice Committee, earlier this week, passed a measure to add alternative procedures for carrying out executions.

Society

Kentucky Historian Says Lynching Legislation Can Spur Dialogue On Racial Issues

Rhonda Miller

As the U.S. House and Senate consider legislation to finally make lynching a federal crime, a Kentucky historian who has written a book on racial violence…