The 1906 Easter Weekend Lynching of Three Innocent Men - Springfield, Missouri

In this episode, Megan and Mindy explore the harrowing story of racial violence in Springfield, Missouri, that unfolded on Easter weekend in 1906. They delve into the events leading to the lynching of three innocent Black men, the societal context of racial terror, and the lasting impact on the community. This heavy but essential history reveals how prejudice and silence perpetuate injustice and underscores the importance of remembrance and reconciliation.

Primary Archival Collections

• Katherine Lederer Ozarks African American History Collection: Housed at Missouri State University's Meyer Library, this collection includes over 7,500 documents and photographs documenting Black history in the Ozarks.
• Greene County Archives: Contains official records from 1906, including jail records, bench warrants, and grand jury testimony related to the event.
• Springfield-Greene County Library: The Local History Department maintains a collection of newspaper and magazine articles, as well as scholarly papers on the tragedy.
• Springfield-Greene County African American Heritage Trail: This trail includes a dedicated stop at Park Central Square, featuring a historical marker unveiled in 2019 that memorializes the three victims.
• History Museum on the Square: Located near the site of the lynching, the museum features permanent exhibits and digital archives detailing the event and its impact on the community.
  • The Story of Fred Coker, Horace Duncan, and Will Allen
• Equal Justice Initiative (EJI): Partnered with local organizations for a soil collection ceremony in 2020 to acknowledge the racial injustice and include the victims in a national memorial exhibit.
• "Easter, 1906" (Musical Album & Documentary): A choral work by composer William Averitt and poet Robert Bode, performed by the Missouri State University Chorale, which seeks to raise awareness about the lynchings.
• Many Thousand Gone: Springfield’s Lost Black History by Katherine Lederer
• Wicked Springfield, Missouri: The Seamy Side of the Queen City by Larry Wood:Includes historical accounts of criminal history and notable lynchings in Greene County.