withoutsanctuary.org

[Katie Mayes]

I had seen these pictures before; however, the overwhelming amount of photographs on this site made me shudder. I was fully aware of the gruesome acts of violence that took place, but I had never stopped to consider just how many of these acts there were. I can hardly imagine how many must have died during this frightening time in our country’s history. To see so many murder scenes from so many different places treated by onlookers as not only acceptable but commonplace was disturbing and heartbreaking.
These photographs and the realities of lynching in this country should not be overlooked. History cannot be accurate and legitimate if only part of the story is told. These dark truths, though disturbing, are vital in understanding exactly how and why our country has changed over time.