The next morning, I wiped my blackboard clean. I should replace it, but I love the old schoolroom look, the smells, even the chalk dust, after all these years. I locked up and headed for the cemetery.
Family and friends gathered at the grave of Paul Jasper Monroe with flowers and balloons. Andy Walther and a photographer were there. His front-page article that morning carried the whole story, including an interview with John Boatwright. A copy of the lynching photo appeared inside identifying the six men. Harold Brock has been indicted, but it's unlikely he'll ever face trial considering his condition.
In the distance, beyond the low wall separating the traditional colored section with the rest of the cemetery, I saw John Boatwright standing at his grandfather's grave. He saw me and waved. I waved back as he turned and walked away. An arm linked mine and lips brushed my cheek. I smiled at Wendy; glad she'd been able to come.
We joined in singing "Happy Birthday" to Paul Jasper Monroe and to his loving niece, Paula Jasmine Monroe Johnson.
YOU ARE READING
Hangman's Oak
Misterio / SuspensoOn Oct. 1, 1947, Paul Jasper Monroe was lynched at Hangman's Oak. He was a decorated WWII veteran. He was Black. He was also Gay. Despite rumors, no one was ever arrested. Sixty-eight years later on the anniversary of Monroe's murder, George Armstro...
