The Case:
What is the connection between an inconspicuous black and white stamp purchased at an outdoor market and a landmark civil rights case? "Save the Scottsboro Boys" is printed on the stamp above nine black faces behind prison bars and two arms prying the bars apart. One arm bears the tattoo "ILD." On the bottom of the stamp is printed "one cent."
The Scottsboro Boys were falsely accused and convicted of raping two white girls in 1931 on a train near Scottsboro, Alabama. It took several appeals, two cases before the US Supreme Court, and nearly two decades before all nine finally walked free.
History Detectives delves into civil rights history and consults with a stamp expert to discover how a tiny penny stamp could make a difference in the young men's courageous defense effort.
Scottsboro Boys Documents
See more documents from the Scottsboro case.
Related Content
Technique:
Technique:
Technique:
Related Links
Explore
-
Also in this episode
Duke Ellington Plates
What is the story behind the printing plates for this famous Jazz song?
-
Also in Depression and WWII: 1929-1945
Nazi Spy Toys
Did a Nazi spy buy these toy soldiers?
-
Also in Depression and WWII: 1929-1945
Drone Propellor
Could this propellor have powered a top secret weapon that transformed modern warfare?
-
Related Investigation
Internment Artwork
What is the story behind these watercolor paintings of a prison camp?
-
Also in Season 7
Kahlil Gibran Painting
Is this painting an unknown work by an immigrant poet whose words inspired an American generation?
-
Also with Gwen Wright
Drug Smuggling Doll
What does this doll reveal about disease, death and daring during the Civil War?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.