Truthfully, the lynching in the next town had white people scared. Even the few who lived in Slocum, Texas were worried about what might happen next. If only they had minded their business, perhaps the tragedy that was about to happen could’ve been avoided.
Black residents were ecstatic a Black contractor had been given control over a huge transportation project. Who could blame them? They were a thriving town of business owners, and this meant they could possibly benefit from more work and possibly fair treatment.
But white interlopers just couldn’t leave well enough alone.
One racist decided to stir up controversy. He lied to the white townsfolk, claiming he’d been threatened by Black residents who wanted to seek revenge for the lynching in the next town. Of course white vigilantes were only too ready to respond!
For two days they strode through Slocum, burning or shooting any Black person. As our people ran to safety, many were shot in their backs! Afterwards, Black bodies lined the streets.
No white person was ever convicted for this massacre. There are many instances where our people have never received justice from racial attacks and white terrorism – we must remember our fight for justice is an uphill battle, even when there seems to be progress.