Southern women against lynching: a study of an anti-lynching organization, 1930-1942, 1974

The primary Intent of this paper is to explore the structures, philosophy, formation and history of the Association of Southern Women for the Prevention of Lynching. Included also Is a section dealing with the reactions and opposition to this group. Lastly, a conclusion Is drawn from related works that give attention to the accomplishments of the Association. The practice of seizing alleged or convicted criminals and executing them without due process of law or legal authority has been a problem peculiar to the United States. Many whites lynched blacks to ease their fears and to restore what they regarded as racial stability. They moved against blacks that were considered "Impudent" In order that other blacks would remain "loyal". These considerations disturbed many liberals of the South. Among these was Mrs. Jessie Daniel Ames, Director of Woman's Work in the Commission on Interracial Cooperation In Atlanta, Georgia. In the autumn of 1930, Mrs. Ames organized an anti-lynching group; its chief concern was the eventual eradication of the crime of lynching. The main sources of information were the papers of the Association of Southern Women for the Prevention of Lynching (ASWPL), located at Trevor-Arnett Library, Atlanta University, and Atlanta, Georgia. These papers included minutes, speeches and addresses, newspaper clippings and letters of the Association. Included in these papers also were numerous publications of the ASWPL which were of great value in pursuing this study