Culture 4 The Nuesstand Culture 4 The Nuesstand

FBI Investigates White Couple for Burning Cross Near Black Neighbors

FBI investigates South Carolina couple for burning cross directed at Black neighbors, shedding light on hate crimes in a state lacking specific legislation. We discuss it here.

 

Shawn and Monica Williams discovered a burning cross directed at them as they exited their home during the Thanksgiving weekend.

Photo Credit: WMBF

By: Adonis Armstrong

According to WCNC's report on Wednesday (Dec. 20), a white couple in South Carolina is under FBI investigation for setting a cross ablaze, directed towards their Black neighbors' home.

Over the Thanksgiving weekend, the individuals involved, Worden Evander Butler (28) and Alexis Paige Hartnett (27), were arrested and charged with state harassment following the incident. It's worth noting that South Carolina lacks a hate crime law, unlike most states, which would provide additional penalties for offenses motivated by various factors such as race, ethnicity, religion, and more.

Charlotte couple terrorized by racial slurs and a burning cross

Following the initiation of an investigation, the FBI conducted a raid on the residence of Butler and Hartnett, both of whom are currently out on bond. "We are working jointly with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, as well as our local and state partners, to thoroughly examine this matter, and we’re dedicated to ensuring equality and fairness within our communities," per an official statement issued by the agency. "We have also been in communication with local community organizations to understand their concerns surrounding this matter and to emphasize our commitment to fostering trust and accountability."

The Black couple, who observed the burning cross just eight feet from their residence in Myrtle Beach, shared with WCNC that they have contemplated relocating due to the distressing incident. Monica Williams revealed that they had been subjected to ongoing harassment before the alarming events during the Thanksgiving holiday. "The N-word over and over, 'We need to get out of here,' the whole bit," she said. "We’re not safe and we feel like [Butler] means business when he says he wants to do harm."

"You just hope that, in this country that you served proudly and honorably, that you can live in peace proudly and honorably," Shawn Williams added. "This has to stop. Hate is something you learn."

It’s a shame these types of actions are still happening in 2023, even though I know it’s worse going on under the radar. I hope better days are coming.

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Culture 3 Adonis Armstrong Culture 3 Adonis Armstrong

Statue Honoring Emmett Till's Mother Unveiled at Illinois Alma Mater

Mamie Till-Mobley Statue Unveiled at Argo Community High School in Honor of Emmett Till's Mother. We discuss it here!

 
247 Live Culture

Mamie Till-Mobley (Credit: Getty Images)

By: Adonis Armstrong

On April 29th, 2023, a statue honoring Mamie Till-Mobley, the mother of Emmett Till, was unveiled at her alma mater, the Argo Community High School in Chicago, Illinois. The statue, which depicts Till-Mobley holding a photo of her son, serves as a powerful reminder of her unwavering strength and courage in the face of immense tragedy.

Mamie Till-Mobley was the mother of Emmett Till, a 14-year-old African American boy who was brutally lynched in 1955 after allegedly whistling at a white woman while visiting family in Mississippi. Till-Mobley's decision to hold an open casket funeral for her son, which allowed the world to see the horrific brutality of his murder, helped galvanize the Civil Rights Movement and brought national attention to the issue of racial violence and discrimination.

Argo Community High School unveiled an 850-pound sculpture by Sonja Henderson, who began working on it in 2021. The sculpture depicts Till-Mobley giving a speech at a Civil Rights event, standing at a podium and reading from a piece of paper with a picture of her son in front. The front of the podium features wise words inscribed by Mamie Till-Moble, 'We are only given a certain amount of time to do what we were sent here to do. You don’t have to be around a long time to share the wisdom of a lifetime. There is no time to waste.”

The unveiling ceremony was attended by a diverse group of people, including members of Till-Mobley's family, Civil Rights activists, and community leaders. The statue is expected to become a symbol of hope and resilience for generations to come, inspiring people to remember the sacrifices of those who came before them and to continue fighting for justice and equality for all.

The unveiling of the statue comes at a time of heightened racial tensions in the United States, with incidents of police brutality and hate crimes against minorities continuing to make headlines. The statue serves as a reminder that while progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to achieve true equality and justice for all.

The statue of Mamie Till-Mobley is a powerful tribute to a remarkable woman who turned her grief into action and inspired a movement. It serves as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to achieve true equality and justice, and as an inspiration to future generations to continue fighting for a better world.

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