50: Murder at the Polls in Hazlehurst, MS

Common Mystics

On this episode of Common Mystics a champion for equality is shot dead at the ballot box in 1883 Mississippi. John Prentiss "Print" Matthews seemed an unlikely hero for civil rights. Born to a wealthy slave holding family, he would go on to represent the political interests of both white and African American farmers in Copiah County during a divisive time. Reconstruction (1865-1877) had failed to secure equal rights for freedmen. By the 1880's, white supremacists had seized power and wielded it to intimidate those who would vote against their interests. But Print Matthews would not be intimidated. Listen in as Jennifer and Jill give voice to one man who stood up for equality in the face of terror. Support us on Patreon and get exclusive bonus content and monthly video calls with Jen & Jill!!! https://www.patreon.com/commonmystics