The murders of their grandfathers link Herbert Lee and Louis Allen's grandsons

Louis Allen and Toriano Lee
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

My research at the National Archives led me to find an Associated Press article about a family of five kidnapped and sold to a family in Fluker, Louisiana for twenty dollars after they were kidnapped from Amite County, Mississippi. "You read that right, a family of five sold for twenty dollars. The family of Crawford Allen, his wife, and three children. One of the three children was Louis Allen a Civil Rights Leader who was murdered in 1964 for speaking out about the murder of Herbert Lee who was shot and killed by E. H. Hurst at the cotton gin in Liberty, Mississippi.  Hurst was a member of the Mississippi state legislature. 

The murder of Herbert Lee in 1961 occurred during a time of intense racial tensions and civil rights activism in the United States. Lee's death, as well as the subsequent murder of Louis Allen for speaking out about it, shed light on the systemic racism and violence that African Americans faced in the segregated South. These tragic events served as catalysts for the civil rights movement, further fueling the fight for equality and justice.

A few years back, I received a call from Louis Allen's grandson, Louis. My heart swelled when I received the phone call from Louis Allen's grandson Louis, his namesake.  Finally, I identified the people who were illegally sold. Slavery was supposed to be abolished in 1863. The illegal sale of Crawford Allen and his family for a mere twenty dollars is a stark reminder of the deep-rooted systemic racism that persisted long after the abolition of slavery. The system of peonage and involuntary servitude was the new name for slavery. Under peonage, individuals were typically bound to their employers through debt or labor contracts, 

Herbert Lee

Fast forward sixty years. Earl Richardson, Jr., informed me about his brother Toriano Lee's family history. I immediately wanted to discuss his family history with him. From that day forward I kept his story on my desk and in my heart.  I received an email from Dr. Marcia Chatelain, an author and historian at the University of Pennsylvania, regarding an article I wrote and published about Toriano's grandmother Prince Melson Lee.  Chatelain was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for History for her book Franchise: The Golden Arches in Black America, for which she also won the James Beard Award for Writing in 2022.  During the 1963 March on Washington, D.C., Prince was recognized with Rosa Parks, Diane Nash, Gloria Richardson, Myrlie Evers-Williams, and Daisy Bates. Prince was the wife of NAACP activist Herbert Lee. 

During a conversation with Toriano I asked him if I could arrange for him to meet with Louis Allen. They both agreed and I made arrangements for the grandsons of Louis and Herbert to meet each other for the first time. The meeting between the grandsons of Louis and Herbert is a powerful symbol of reconciliation and healing. It brings together two families that have been deeply affected by racial violence and injustice, bridging the gap between past and present, and fostering understanding and unity. This meeting not only honors the legacies of Louis and Herbert but also serves as a testament to the resilience and strength of those who continue to fight for equality and justice. It was emotional for me to sit and listen to Louis share information Toriano heard for the very first time. 

Louis Allen

As I observed their faces, I saw expressions of pain, hurt, and loss resulting from their grandfathers' murders. The weight of their grief seemed unbearable to say the least. It was a haunting reminder of the profound emotional scars left by such unimaginable acts of violence, forever shaping their lives and their understanding of what it means to be Black in America. The two emphasize the importance of educating their sons about racial injustice in the United States. Moreover, Toriano expressed his gratitude to Louis for the courage his grandfather Louis showed when others who witnessed the murder remained silent.

Amite County, Mississippi, has a long history of racial tension and violence, particularly during the Civil Rights era. This context adds even more significance to the brotherhood formed by Louis and Toriano, as their shared tragedy represents a powerful bond in the face of a troubled past. I walked away feeling emotionally exhausted and drained after listening to their stories.  Listening to personal stories is emotionally taxing as it requires me to empathize with the experiences and emotions of others. It can also bring up unresolved emotions or trigger traumatic memories, leading to feelings of exhaustion and depletion. Nevertheless, most of the time it can't be avoided. 

NAACP Called Three Witness from St. Helena Parish by A.P. Tureaud

A.P. Tureaud

The NAACP called three witness in an attempt to show that Negros have been discouraged from voting in St. Helena Parish election to choose between public and private schools. Ellis D. Howard, Higgins,  and John Hall. A.P. Tureaud, attorney for the three men attempted to stop the election. 

The Civil Rights Movement took place in St. Helena Parish. For whatever reasons, many people do not talk about it.  A lot of the elderly people who was a part of the movement had passed away. 

Others like Mrs. Minnie Lee Stewart, Oscar L. Hall, and Clarence L. Knighten all was farmers in St. Helena Parish, but stood up for the rights of others who was to afraid to take a stand. 

They face men with pistols in their belts who tried to intimated them from voting. "Negroes are not going to vote in St. Helena."  They didn't allow them for lining up to vote. In some cases the Negro voters outnumbered white votes, causing long lines at the polls for Negroes. 

Knighten  said that at one election in which the negroes were entering to vote was closed for three hours, but the white voting polls continue to be open. 

Source: The Times (Shreveport, Louisiana) Sun. August 16, 1964-Page 28

             The Times (Shreveport, Louisiana)   Thur. Sept 1960

Press Conference Held to Commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the M.C. Moore Deseg Case

Press Conference at the African American Heritage Museum
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

On April 29, 2015 a press conference was organized by Antoinette Harrell and Charles Terry to announce the upcoming events that will commemorate the 50th Anniversary of M.C. Moore's desegregation lawsuit against the Tangipahoa Parish School System.

The press conference was held at the African American Heritage Museum in Hammond, La., Several of the late M.C. Moore and Willie Mae Moore daughters was in attendance; Joyce, Katherine, Betty and Jeanette. Two son-in-laws, Charles Terry and Henry Jackson talked about the legacy their father-in-law left.

Joyce couldn't hold back her emotions as she talked about how hard it was for her. "When people asked me if I was the same Joyce associated with the case, I told them no it wasn't me," said Joyce.

Henry Jackson recalled standing guard with other African American men all night with guns to protect the Moore family after the Moore home was shot at in 1965.

Osa Bett Williams candidate for State Representative District #72 of Hammond recalled marching when A.Z. Young came through Hammond, LA.

Pat Morris of the president of the Tangipahoa Parish spoke about the opposition she faced from both blacks and whites in Tangipahoa Parish. The case was reopened in 2007 at the urging of the Greater Tangipahoa Parish Branch NAACP because of numerous complaints of the school system's wronging of African-American children and African American employees.

Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of M.C. Moore Desegregation Lawsuit in Tangipahoa Parish

The late M.C. Moore

Hammond, LA - May 3, 2015, will commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Mr. M.C. Moore's desegregation lawsuit against the Tangipahoa Parish School System. The lawsuit was initially filed on behalf of his daughter, Fannie Moore, who was disenfranchised and not given an opportunity to receive an equitable and fair education, which is guaranteed under the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

Fifty years later, the question remains whether or not education in the lives of Black Children matter; the answer is emphatically, yes it does, because the fight continues for equity in this school system. Unfortunately, there is very little resolve towards settling this decades-old desegregation lawsuit.

Moreover, many are keen to talk about or write pieces about what happens or does not happen in the public school system in Tangipahoa Parish. Consequently, I process and attempt to find balance with personal ties to the conflicts in Tangipahoa Parish race relations and injustices found in our school system that have had my attention for decades now.

As we begin to reflect on the importance of this lawsuit, we think of the lawsuit being filed in 1965.  As a result of this filing, Mr. Moore was ostracized. For instance, he and his family were threatened, and his livelihood and means of providing for his family were taken away through his logging business being sabotaged, which resulted in his having to bake cakes to sell to provide for his family. Men guarded his home at night after his home was shot into early one morning. His wife heroically crawled through grass and weeds to a neighbor’s home to call the police because their telephone lines were cut on the outside of their home. Those bullet holes remain in Mr. Moore’s home to this very day. Despite having his life threatened and his livelihood compromised, Mr. Moore pressed on. Thank you, Mr. Moore, for your courage and tenacity in ensuring equality for African-American children, and ultimately all children. 

After this case was filed and opened in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, with the late Honorable Alvin Benjamin Rubin as the presiding judge, the Tangipahoa Parish School System was forced to integrate its public schools in 1969. Judge Rubin ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, stating, in pertinent part, that the Tangipahoa Parish School System was segregated and did not provide equitable educational access to African-American students. As a result, the school board was ordered to reinstate the jobs of all terminated African-American employees as one of the wrongs the Tangipahoa Parish School System committed following forced integration in 1969.

The plaintiffs’ case was led by Attorney Nelson Dan Taylor, Sr., who is now the Lead Attorney in the Moore Case.  This case was Attorney Taylor’s first case as an attorney for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Legal Defense Fund.  Unfortunately, the school system did not comply with Judge Rubin’s order, and the case became dormant following Honorable Alvin Benjamin Rubin's untimely death. 

The case was later reopened in 2007 at the urging of the Greater Tangipahoa Parish Branch NAACP because of numerous complaints of the school system’s wronging of African-American children and African American employees. Evidence was provided to prove that the same segregated conditions still exist in Tangipahoa Parish School System. The test case used to reopen the M.C. Moore desegregation case was the case of Coach Alden Foster, who became the first African-American head high school football coach hired in Tangipahoa Parish. Coach John Williams was reportedly the first African-American head high school football coach in Tangipahoa Parish. However, after speaking to several others, including Coach Williams, we discovered that he was not given the position of head football coach at Hammond High School in Hammond, Louisiana, despite being appointed by Judge Rubin. Instead, Coach Carmen Moore, a white coach, was named as the head football coach at Hammond High.  

The discourse of this article is too long to write all of what has happened over the past fifty years in the Moore Case, however, a Master Thesis done by Dr. Wayne Brumfield is found in the Southeastern Louisiana University public library. 

As we commemorate the lawsuit’s 50th anniversary, let us remember to thank God for the stamina of Mr. Moore, his trials endured, and triumphs he and others made for every child attending school in the Tangipahoa Parish School System.  Let us be mindful, as well as thankful for all of the accomplishments seen and unseen in this case having been reopened, because without such, sitting conservative judges would have dismissed this case due to its inactivity. 

While there are some thirty-six unopened desegregation cases, let us be mindful that the M.C. Moore lawsuit has set a precedent for subsequent desegregation cases. As President of the GTPB NAACP, and as I walk in the shoes of the late Mr. M.C. Moore, I feel his pain many times, and my heart breaks as I continue to witness the disenfranchisement of African-American children in the Tangipahoa Parish School System. Despite the many wrongs of this school system, I am reminded by Ecclesiastes 9:11 that “the race is not given to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor the bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill, but time and chance happened to them all.” With these words in mind, the fight for equality will not end, and it cannot until “justice rolls down like a mighty stream” for every student and employee in this school system. There can be no other way, and no person will be left behind. 

The Moore family and Antoinette Harrell has organized several events to commemorate the legacy of M.C. Moore. They began by getting the Parish Council to issue a Proclamation  proclaiming May 3, 2015 as M.C. Moore Educational Awareness Day. On Wednesday, April 29, a press conference will be held at 10:00 am at the African American Heritage Museum in Hammond, LA., at 1:45 p.m. that Wednesday afternoon Joyce Marie Moore, Henry Jackson, Charles Terry and Pat Morris, President of the Tangipahoa Parish NAACP will speak at Southeastern Louisiana University Department of Sociology, Professor Rebecca Hensley. A wreath laying ceremony at Holly Garden cemetery will take place on Sunday, May 3rd at 4:00 pm, and on Sunday evening at 6:00 pm, a worship service will be at the First Church of God In Christ, Attorney Nelson Taylor will be the keynote speakers. On Monday, May 4, at 6:00 pm a panel discussion will be held at the First Church of God in Christ. On Tuesday, May 5, the Moore Family will be featured on NOATV Cable Access television “ Nurturing Our Roots “ Educational Talk Show with producer and host Antoinette Harrell. The Moore Family are asking citizens of Tangipahoa Parish to join them as they honor the legacy of M.C. Moore a pioneer  who changed the educational system in Tangipahoa Parish to ensure that African American children get a quality education. 

Tangipahoa Parish 50th Anniversary Desegregation Commemoration

Civil Rights Organizer Herbert Lee Murdered By A Mississippi Elected Official

Herbert Lee

Herbert Lee, the son of Albert Lee and Elvia Lee was born in Amite County, Mississippi. He was married to Prince Melson Lee, to their union nine children were born: Wilma, Irma, Bessie, Ruby, Shirley, Roy, Ray, Frank and Herbert Lee, Jr. He was a faithful member of Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church and a successful dairy farmer. He became a member of the NAACP in the early 1950's. When SNCC voting rights activist started working in Amite and Pike counties in the fall of 1961, Lee,  close friend of the Amite County NAACP brand chairman E.W. Steptoe became involved, helping transport the workers and acquaint them to the area.

Assistant United States Attorney John Doar and others from the Justice Department interviewed several persons in Amite County about the infringements of the voting laws. They learned that threats had been made to harm NAACP members and Voting Rights Activist in Amite and other counties.

On the morning of September 25, 1961, Hebert Lee took a truckload of cotton to the cotton gin in Liberty, Mississippi.  Hurst followed Lee according to the witnesses, Lee was sitting in his truck when Hurst angrily walks up and begins arguing, and pulls out a pistol. "I'm not fooling around this time, I really mean business," shout Hurst.  " Put the gun down," responds Lee, " I won't talk to you unless you put the gun down." Lee slides out of his truck on the other side and  E. H. Hurst a dairy farmer and politician in Mississippi, elected as a Democrat to the Mississippi House of Representatives shot Lee in the head, killing him instantly.  It happened in front of about a dozen witnesses, including several Negroes. On the day of the killing, the corner's jury concluded that E. Hurst, claimed self-defense by a all white jury at the inquest.

Amite County Grand Jury Docket
Photo Credit: Walter C. Black, Sr.

Herbert Lee was only trying to register African-American people in the small rural town to become voters. After eleven years of trying to register African-American people of Amite County.

The Cotton Gin where Herbert Lee was murdered

On July 20, 1965, E. W. Steptoe and other African Americans became registered voters.

Louis Allen, a black witness to Lee's being shot, discussed the case with SNCC civil rights activist including Julian Bond. In January 1965, the night before he was planning to move away from Liberty, Allen was murdered in his driveway by two shot-gun blasts. Allen learned that a federal jury was considering charges against Hurst, Allen met with representatives of the FBI and Civil Rights Commissions to see if he could get federal protection if he were to testify. The Justice Department  told him that they couldn't offer him protection, Allen refused to change it story and stood up for the truth and what he felt was right to do. In 1994 investigation said suggested that Allen was murdered by Daniel Jones, the Amite County Sheriff, but no one has been prosecuted for his murder. The corner's jury ruled the homicide was justifiable and no further legal actions was taken against the Mississippi State Legislator.

Marion Barry was among the SNCC activists organizing in Pike County, Mississippi with Bob Parris Moses, and other SNCC members led a march of 100 black high school students through the streets of McComb, Mississippi. The marchers was arrested as they knelt down to pray on the steps of city hall, the students was expelled from school.

Herbert Lee's wife Prince Melson Lee was from St. Helena, Louisiana. My cousin Tito Lee came into the Art Gallery three years ago and informed me about what happen to his grandfather. We must never forget Herbert Lee, he died for our right to vote and yet many African American people will not get out and vote.



References

1.  Cold case: "The murder of Louis Allen", 60 Minutes (CBS), 10 April 2011
2. The Struggle for Voting Rights in Mississippi-Civil Rights.
3.  Historical Marker Dedication Ceremony for Herbert Lee

The Legacy of Prince Estella Melson Lee of St. Helena Parish, Louisiana

Queen Mother Prince Estella Melson Lee 

Prince Estella Melson Lee was born Thursday, April 5, 1917 in Greenburg, Louisiana to the late David and Lillian Melson, and went from earth to glory at East Jefferson General Hospital on Friday, January 16, 2015, 5:10 p.m.

Prince was the sixth of thirteen children: twelve born to David and Lillian, and one born to David and "Pinky". Prince received what their father called a " fingernail of learnin" from St. Helena School where she attended until third grade learning to read and write. She even said she would walk and cry," ...just to get that lil' learning'. At St. Helena Baptist Church. Prince gave her life to Christ at the age of twelve and was baptized by the late Reverend M.P. Knox. She then began her work in Christ's kingdom, spending many decades available for the Lord's use.

At the age of thirteen, after the death of her mother, Prince and her brother, Vernell, became responsible for their youngest brother. David, and reared the youngest child, Pearl Marie. During this time, Prince developed a very close and loving relationship with step-mother, "Pinky." On February 26, 1939, Prince married Herbert Lee-they were the parents of eleven children, two deceased infancy. After marrying, Prince relocated to Mississippi and united with Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church under pastorship of the late Reverends Walter Martin and James R. Lewis. She often expressed sentiments about leaving her home church, St. Helena; nevertheless, she served faithfully at Mount Pilgrim, and in her home as devoted Christian wife and mother ensuring that her children  were loved, cared for, and raised in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Prince, with her husband Herbert, lived a life with Jesus Christ as the center. This was reflected through reciting a scripture verse after saying grace, her being " Jesus wept"; attending Sunday School and Pastoral Sunday Worship service; studying Sunday school lessons around the fireplace and listening to the Gospel Hours on the radio; and doing no work on Sundays. 

Letter from Southern Poverty Law Center

Prince lived the scripture, " Remember the Sabbath, to keep it holy". She aided in laying the same Christian foundation for her children as was laid for her by her parents. Her children can attest that she could praise the Lord all by herself; she worshipped the Lord as much in her home as she did in the sanctuary. In her home, Prince was often heard saying part of scriptures such as, "Jesus wept" and "The Lord is my shepherd", as well as singing hymns, a favorite being " Jesus, Hold My Hand While I Run This Race".

In 1961, Prince became a widow after the assassination of her husband, Herbert. Even in the midst of the this sudden tragedy,  a farm to maintain, and six children at home to raise. Prince's faith never wavered; she continued to spiritually guide and teach her children. She became a member of the Eastern Star, and continued her life and service in Mississippi until 1972 when she relocated to Kenner, Louisiana.

Prince became a member of St. Michael Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorship of Reverend Leroy Sander, Sr. She dutifully served on the Deaconess Board, and in 1982, she was appointed President, and office she served with joy and great commitment until 2004. In the late 1990s, Reverend Sanders appointed her Mother of the Church and she felt it was a great honor when asked.

Letter from SNCC

Prince throughly enjoyed being an active member of the East Jefferson Prayer and Bible Band. She took much joy out of using her well-known and well-worn black and white composition books to call the Prayer Band members as a reminder of an upcoming meeting. Prince took every opportunity to return to St. Helena's Revival in August and to Mount Pilgrim's May Rally, and Revival in September. She loved returning to her childhood home in Louisiana, as well ago Mississippi to the homestead established with her husband and children. When Prince visited the Mississippi homestead, she could often be found deep in thought while walking the land. If asked about what she was thinking. Prince would smile and simply say, " Oh...nothing, just thinking" or " just thinking about a lot...how hard we worked and how the Lord blessed us." Telling stories of her childhood and courtship with Herbert were some of Prince's much loved memories to share.

Some other favorites that she enjoyed were quilting and making tams (caps) for the Deaconess Board,as well as sitting in her favorite chair and reading her Bible. Prince was a 'people person" who never met a stranger; and, whether on the phone or in person, she truly enjoyed good conversation. She as a great sense of humor and would laugh at herself while retelling and acting out the stories of the ' by gone-days". Some of her favorite dishes to cook were and chicken and dumplings and chicken pies. And, Prince will always be well-known for her tea cakes, which she frequently backed for her family and friends.

Prince was preceded in death by her parents, David and Lilian; siblings, A.V., Felbert, Ralph, Willie, Mitchell, Vernell, Callie-Mae, David, and Elizabeth; her husband, Herbert, children, Christine, David, Bessie Mae, and Ray Curtis, and grandchildren, Erhen T. Lee, Lynn Marie Lee-Vinnett, and Aaliyah A. Riley.

Thank you Queen Mother Prince for the legacy that you left for all humanity. I will continue to teach our youth about the importance of becoming a register voter and why they should get out and vote.