Thirteen Loops: Race, Violence, and the Last Lynching in America

Acknowledgments

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This book would not have been possible without the incredible efforts of various journalists, archivists, interviewees, and advisors. Thank you to the wonderful reporting set forth in the Tuscaloosa News, the Birmingham News, and the Mobile Register. Kathy Jumper’s and Michael Wilson’s reporting, in particular, proved invaluable. Scotty Kirkland of the University of South Alabama Archives managed the insurmountable task of putting together the Michael Donald Collection and was gracious enough to share his work with me. Thank you to Morris Dees, Steve Fiffer, and their book A Season for Justice, which offers a unique view inside the civil trial. The Southern Poverty Law Center was also kind enough to open its doors to me, for which I am grateful. Similarly, I am grateful for having had the opportunity to speak to so many thoughtful and considerate people: Star Bloom, Richard Cohen, Bob Eddy, Glenn Feldman, Chris Galanos, Kalliopi Hartley, Richard Kerger, Dr. LeRoy Riddick, Kathy Sutton, Penny Weaver, and Police Chief Wilbur Williams. Thanks to Joshua Weinberg of the Discovery Channel for allowing me use of the phrase “The Last Lynching.” To Dan Waterman at The University of Alabama Press. To Drs. Wendy Rawlings, Stephen Schneider, and Lisa Lindquist Dorr. And of course, to Michael Martone, whose guidance in this endeavor helped keep the train on the tracks. To my family, who have believed in my words since the first one. And finally, to my wife, who allowed me to dedicate my days and nights to conjuring the ever-present ghosts of history. THIRTEEN LOOPS ...