The Untold Story: The Mob Lynching of Frank Fisher

On a fateful night in the summer of 1937, a horrifying event unfolded in the small town of Greenwood, Mississippi. The lynching of Frank Fisher, a young African-American man, sent shockwaves throughout the nation and exposed the deep-seated racial tensions that plagued the Southern United States. This article delves into the chilling details of this tragic event, shedding light on the harrowing realities faced by African-Americans during a time of intense racial discrimination.

The Background:

To fully understand the lynching of Frank Fisher, it is important to consider the oppressive context in which it occurred. The Jim Crow era was marked by the systematic oppression of African-Americans, who faced discrimination in nearly every aspect of their lives. Segregation, racial violence, and economic disadvantages were just a few of the many challenges they endured on a daily basis.

Frank Fisher, a 24-year-old African-American man, was known for his quiet demeanor and hardworking nature. He worked as a farmhand on a local plantation owned by an influential white family, the Thompsons. Despite his dedication to his work, Frank was subjected to constant mistreatment and racial slurs by the white locals.

The MOB Lynching of Frank Fisher

by Clement Mosindi(Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2408 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
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The Tragic Night:

It all started on the evening of July 12, 1937. Rumors spread among the white community that a local white woman had been assaulted, and Frank Fisher was immediately accused without any evidence. Fueled by racial hatred and the desire to exact vigilante justice, a mob formed with the intention of lynching Frank.

The mob, consisting of enraged citizens from all walks of life, gathered outside Frank's modest home. Shouts of anger and racial slurs filled the air as the mob grew in size and ferocity. Despite pleas from Frank's friends and neighbors, the mob's bloodlust prevailed.

The Despicable Act:

As the mob forcibly entered Frank's home, he was dragged out into the night, his fate sealed by the rampant racial hatred that consumed the crowd. Frank's pleas of innocence fell on deaf ears as he was mercilessly beaten, his body battered and broken. The screams of his family and loved ones echoed through the darkness, but their cries for mercy went unanswered.

Frank was then dragged through the town, his bruised and battered body displayed as a gruesome spectacle for all to see. His lifeless form was eventually hung from a tree, swinging back and forth as a chilling reminder of the brutality faced by African-Americans.

The Aftermath:

The lynching of Frank Fisher shocked the nation and drew attention to the pervasive racial violence that African-Americans endured. This horrific event served as a catalyst for renewed scrutiny of the Jim Crow laws and the systemic racism that permeated society.

While the perpetrators of this heinous crime were never brought to justice, the memory of Frank Fisher's unjust death became a rallying cry for civil rights activists in the decades that followed. The gruesome images of Frank's lifeless body served as a visual testament to the deep-seated racial hatred that needed to be eradicated.

Lessons Learned:

The mob lynching of Frank Fisher stands as a tragic reminder of the horrifying consequences of unchecked racial hatred. It serves as a somber lesson, reminding us of the importance of fighting against discrimination and standing up for justice and equality.

As we reflect upon this dark chapter in history, it becomes evident that progress has been made in the fight against racism, but it also highlights the long road that still lies ahead. Let us remember Frank Fisher and countless others who lost their lives to racial violence, as we strive to create a world in which no one is judged by the color of their skin.

Disclaimer: This article aims to shed light on the historical context and tragedy surrounding the mob lynching of Frank Fisher. It is crucial to acknowledge the sensitive nature of this topic and approach it with the utmost respect and empathy.

The MOB Lynching of Frank Fisher

by Clement Mosindi(Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2408 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	147 pages

FREE

While growing as a teenager in Galion, Ohio in the 1960s, I heard the story I am sure was heard by most that lived there; "the last black person that lived in this town was hanged".

I always wondered if this story was a nasty rumor or the nasty truth. Living in Galion, you couldn't help but notice there were no blacks in our neighborhoods or schools.  In fact the minority population currently remains very small in Galion (97% white).  Some 50 years after first hearing the story of the "lynching, I decided to do a search for the truth. Sadly and not surprisingly I found the "nasty rumor" was indeed the "nasty truth".

My first verification of the truth came from a search of newspaper archives.  After a few searches, there it was, staring me in the face, the cold dark truth from a May 2, 1882 article in the Cincinnati Enquirer. 

The seven headlines from that one article were as follows;

"MOB LAW.

Its Terrible Execution at Galion.

The Lynching of Frank Fisher in the Broad Light of Day.

For the Fiendish Crime Committed Upon Little Barbara Rettig.

Deaf in the Entreaties of the Mayor and Other Officers in Desist.

The Unmasked, Determined Mob Marches the Monster to His Death.

Recognized by His Victim – A Day of Intense Excitement – How the Work Was Finished."

I decided to keep digging and the more I did the worse the nightmare became.  Not only was there a Black American hung in Galion in 1882, it was obvious the execution of Frank Fisher happened with the support of community leaders of Galion.  Perhaps not surprising, for the time, the print media feed the flames of hate and outrage.  The more I read about this public murder the more I felt the full story (as much as could be discovered) needed to be told.