Two reporters, Young and Jones, were dispatched by AFRO publisher Carl Murphy (1922-62), left, to cover the second trial of the Scottsboro Boys in Decatur, Ala. In telegrams, sometimes sent several times a day back to the home office in Baltimore, Md., the pair described a town gripped by racial tension as the proceedings unfolded.
According to their reports, the town was swamped by mobs of whites, including Klu Klux Klansmen, and the threat of lynching was in the air. Below are some of the missives the two sent home. These short takes provide a unique and powerful portrait of the momentous events.

Please click on a telegram below to view it in its original form.

"...flatly denied she or Price were attacked..." (172K)

"...defense springs sensational surprise witness..." (184K)

"...this town became an armed camp..." (288K)

"...mob of 200 Whites Klan leadership reported near..." (168K)

"...recommended punishment at death..." (172K)