The Way to Right Wrongs
The National Park Service is asking for public comments on lynching sites in the Memphis region, including Brownsville, Tennessee—where Elbert Williams was killed in 1940 for organizing Black voter registration. This is more than a historical review. It is a chance for communities and descendant families to help shape how this story is remembered, preserved, and taught. For many of us, especially those with roots stretching from Tennessee to Michigan, this history is not distant. It lives in
No Kings was a Call to do the Work
Community members are organizing in Romulus in response to the proposed ICE detention center. After this weekend’s demonstration, the work continues tomorrow with opportunities to gather, learn, and take action. What’s at stake is bigger than one site. It is about how resources are used and who our systems are built to protect.
Naming the Wound, Finding the Healing
What happens when lived grief meets clinical wisdom? At the Ann Arbor District Library, George Floyd’s family and leading psychologists gathered for a powerful evening of truth-telling, resilience, and racial healing. From personal loss to the psychology of racial trauma, the panel revealed how turning pain into purpose demands not only courage—but also community, love, […]
In Solidarity with Mothers: Support Krystal Clark
Free Krystal Clark and correct the life-threatening exposure to mold and other health hazards at the Women's Huron Valley Prison aka Death Valley. Artwork and animation by Tina Orlandini for AgitArte
Hannah: True story of a newly freed girl meeting President Abraham Lincoln
Author, Podcast Host, and retired Nurse Pamela Goldstein recounts a story of meeting President Abraham Lincoln, as told to her by 108-year-old Hannah when she worked as her direct caregiver at age 19.
Reenvisioning Justice
Today was a historic moment for our nation. Garry Brown, Tennessee District Attorney, announced that he has re-opened the investigation into the 1940 murder of whom some have identified as the “first martyr of the civil rights movement”, Elbert Williams. Mr. Elbert Williams was a bright, outspoken 31-year-old family-oriented man in the predominantly black community […]
Gratitude Leftovers – Part II
A Belated Happy Birthday to Elbert Williams
Gratitude Leftovers Part I
Leslie had the seminal experience of testifying to the Tennessee Legislature on the lynching of her great grand uncle and voting rights activist Elbert Williams and its effect on subsequent generations of her family.
TRU STORY EXCLUSIVE: If Flags Could Talk
Tru Story Exclusive: About Elbert Williams If Flags Could Talk: Written and Curated by Leslie McGraw Thank you for tuning into the Tru Story blog series: About Elbert Williams. Beginning in June, I began to address circumstances surrounding related to one of the nation’s forgotten heroes, Elbert Williams. June 20 marked the 75th anniversary of […]
TRU STORY EXCLUSIVE: A Seventy Five Year Old Lie pt 2
Tru Story Exclusive: About Elbert Williams A Seventy Five Year Old Lie: Part II by Leslie McGraw Elbert Williams Historical Marker Unveiling on June 20 Photo courtesy of Sharon Hayes. Thank you for tuning into the Tru Story blog series: About Elbert Williams. Beginning in June, I began to address circumstances surrounding related to one of […]