Johnnie Mae Chappell never set out to become a martyr. She probably never imagined her death would have such an impact nearly six decades later. Why does her murder still haunt us?
She was murdered by two white terrorists as she searched for her lost wallet along the highway. At the same time, a race riot was taking place a few miles away. The terrorists, searching for a way to encourage violence, shot the first Black person they saw: Chappell. But this was just the beginning.
After the wife and mother of 10 died, white detectives actually solved her case! But her family’s suffering had just begun. Her children went to foster care, and as they grew older, they became consumed with getting justice for her death and their family. Did it ever happen?
While only one of her murderers served a mere three years, her death brought national attention to problems with the justice system, ranging from racial prejudice to police brutality. Her children also continue to tell her story and fight for justice, even today.
Chappell’s death reminds us that we still have much work to do toward justice, especially when it comes to valuing the lives of our people. We must remember that there is no rest until those who take our lives are held accountable. The quest continues!