In rural Mississippi, Clinton Melton worked at the local gas station. While others had to travel many miles to find employment, Melton’s job allowed him to work close to his wife and children. But this was 1955 – and something evil lurked.
The last day of Melton’s life started like any other. He left his family and went to work. Unfortunately, one of the most famous white men in town showed up. Why was he famous?
He was a close friend of the men who had gotten away with Emmett Till’s murder. The racist had witnessed the young boy’s murder, and bragged about it around the area.
Now the hooligan was eyeing Melton as he pumped gas ... then he did the unthinkable.
The liar accused Melton of pumping more gas than he had requested, and immediately drove off!
He returned later and shot Melton in the head, taking his life. So did this cretin ever pay for murdering Melton?
Of course not! The same judge, in the same courthouse as Till’s case, exonerated this killer, too, leaving Melton’s family to suffer.
We must always remember the stories of everyday people who inspire us to fight for justice. Like Melton, they may not be widely known – but their stories can remind us of the true evil we face.