As we peel back the layers of our history, sometimes we uncover myths. There is no room for myths in the history of lynchings. There is only room for the truth.
Myth #1: Most People Lynched Were Black Men Who Had Sexually Assaulted White Women
Most victims of lynchings had been accused of violating white supremacist social norms, owning land or a business, trying to vote, or doing something that was interpreted as disrespectful to white people. Between 120 and 200 Black women and girls were also lynched.
Myth #2: Most Lynchings Occurred During The Civil Rights Movement
There were more than 4700 documented lynchings between 1882 and 1968. In the 12 years of Reconstruction alone, there were more than 2000. After 1935, fewer than eight Black people a year were lynched. There were no lynchings reported between 1965 and 1968.
- Myth #3: Most Lynchings Were Spontaneous
As outbreaks of organized mass violence, lynchings were usually planned at least a few hours in advance. Sometimes the news of an imminent lynching was spread by word of mouth or reported in the local press.
The history of lynching has to be presented clearly and accurately to honor the victims and to remember our past. When we know our true history, we know how to forge a liberated future.