Includes bibliographical references (pages [355]-365) and index.
Summary
Based on documentary research, this book examines the history of and controversy around the case of Willie McGee, a young African American man from Laurel, Mississippi, who in 1945 was sentenced to death for allegedly raping Willette Hawkins, a white housewife. By the time of his execution in 1951, "Free Willie McGee" had become a rallying cry among civil rights activists, progressives, leftists, and Communist party members, whose movement had succeeded in convincing millions that McGee had been framed.
Contents
The hot seat -- A man wasn't born to live forever -- Take your choice -- Her jitterbug -- God don't like ugly -- The malady of Meddler's itch -- The odds against smiling Johnny -- A rumpus of reds -- Country girl -- Communists coming here -- A long, low song -- Bare-legged women -- Sorrow night -- Whiskey in a paper sack.