Jackson Free Press

Today, the Los Angeles Times has a good news piece co-written by Jenny Jarvie (who was one of the reporters who saw the Klan wizard at Killen's house Sunday night). Jenny (who is British) seems to be trying very hard to tell a balanced story, including about new generations of Mississippi. Kudos to her.

Excerpts:
For years, many people in this lumber town in the hills of eastern Mississippi thought it was best to let unpleasant memories of the civil rights era fade. Some now worry that Killen's trial, which could last two weeks, may whip up racial tensions. But as reporters and civil rights activists descended on the small town, some residents said they welcomed the trial, which will be shown on Court TV.

"This is healing," said Angie Tullos, 44, as she gazed at the two-story Neshoba County Courthouse from her downtown clothing store. "They should have done it years ago." [...]

About J.J. Harper's visits with Killen:

As the frail-looking Killen arrived at the courthouse, he was met by a man who identified himself as Joseph J. Harper, Imperial Wizard of the American White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan. On Sunday, Harper, wearing a cap embossed with the Klan logo, had been among the guests at Killen's modest ranch house.

"If there's anything I can do for you, you tell me," he said Monday as he shook Killen's hand. The accused, who was escorted between two magnolia trees and up a ramp into the courthouse, looked straight ahead and said nothing.

One does wonder why Killen's attorneys didn't tell him not to entertain imperial wizards on the eve of the trial.

Previous Comments

ID

141388

Comment

For perspective, or maybe it would be good for the electronic record, just how old was Donna Ladd and anyone else leaving notes here in June of 1964? I was born in 1950 in Jackson and remember the time as clearly as any 14 year old can. I read the talk here but would just like to understand the various ages for context. Thank you. Pokey

Author

pokeyb

Date

2005-06-14T17:17:45-06:00