Mississippi Black Paper by Unknown

Author:Unknown
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: History, United States, State & Local, South (AL; AR; FL; GA; KY; LA; MS; NC; SC; TN; VA; WV), Social Science, Discrimination, Ethnic Studies, American, African American & Black Studies
ISBN: 9781496813442
Google: DrY4DwAAQBAJ
Publisher: Univ. Press of Mississippi
Published: 2017-08-09T22:17:08+00:00

COAHOMA COUNTY

On September 1, 1963, I was arrested in the city of Clarksdale, Miss., at approximately 10:30 in the evening after I had been in an argument with James Monroe, who resides at the Cress Hotel here in Clarksdale. The argument occurred at George Black’s Cafe on S. Edwards Street. During the argument no profane language was used and no punches were passed; we did, however, push each other once. After the argument was over I started home and a police car with two officers in the car stopped me and told me to get in the police car. They said, “Boy, you have been trying to dodge us.” I told them, “No, sir, I have not been trying to dodge you.” I was then taken to the Clarksdale City Hall.

During the questioning one of the arresting officers said, “Boy, the next time you run from me, I will take my gun and _____.” Another officer said, “Atkins, didn’t you hit that boy?” I said, “No, sir, I didn’t hit him.” He said, “You black son-of-a-bitch, when I get through with you, you are going to tell me a better lie than that.” The officer then hit me with a blackjack. I threw up my arms to protect my face. On each occasion when my arms were up I was hit in the abdominal region. I was hit about six solid blows in the face and kicked in the pubic area. These blows caused my nose to start bleeding. On the way to the cell the arresting officer gave me a paper towel and told me to wash my face. I went into the cell under my own power even though I was terrible dizzy. The beating caused the entire side of my face to swell, and for two teeth to become loosened.

Following my release on $77 bond I was examined by Dr. L. W. McCaskill, and x-rayed for a possible fracture of my jawbone at the Coahoma County Hospital. I was charged with disturbing the peace and assault and battery.

I agree to permit the NAACP and the U.S. Department of Justice to file any suits which are necessary to prevent other Negroes from being beaten in such an animal-like manner.

SIGNED: James Atkins

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