06/16/2023
Join us at the Lynching Memorial on June 17th at 5 pm at the vibrant downtown Tyler Square. Experience a transformative event as we come together, African American, Hispanics, Caucasians, etc., to commemorate and reflect upon the painful history of racial terror lynchings in our area. This year's memorial will be even more impactful, featuring esteemed speakers and artists who will inspire and uplift us.
We are honored to have Rev. Darryl Bowdre, Co-Leader of We Remember Tyler and Pastor of SouthCentral Church, as our keynote speaker. With his powerful voice and inspiring leadership, Pastor Bowdre will deliver a message that resonates with hope, unity, and justice. He embodies the qualities of a compassionate advocate and has dedicated his life to fostering a community where biblical principles are embraced and encouraged. His commitment to worship and studying the Bible influences his every word, motivating us to live with purpose and compassion.
The 2nd Annual Lynching Memorial is not just a solemn event, but an opportunity for us to actively confront the forces of division that still exist today. This year, we have a special announcement to make. We are honored to announce the gift of a set of large prints of the historic photos of the infamous 1895 Texas lynching of Robert Henry Hilliard to the Texas African American Museum in Tyler for public viewing. These photos, stored at the Library of Congress and largely unseen since the 1890s, when they were published in newspapers nationwide, serve as photographic proof of yet another tragic Tyler lynching on the square. Earlier this year, We Remember Tyler made a gift of a photo negative of the 1912 lynching of teenager James Hodge to the Smith County Historical Society. This powerful exhibition will deepen our understanding of the harsh realities of racial injustice and reinforce our commitment never to forget the lives lost to such violence. Attendees will be able to see the photos at the vigil before they are donated.
In addition to the impactful speeches, we are delighted to announce a mesmerizing performance by renowned drum artist Casey Muze. Drawing from African traditions, their beats will evoke the spirit of resilience and unity, honoring the lives lost to racial injustice. Through the language of drums, we will pay tribute to our shared humanity and our commitment to creating a more inclusive future.
Furthermore, we are honored to have Larry Wade, an esteemed educator and community leader, joining us at the memorial. His tireless dedication to education and community service has impacted Tyler, especially at the Smith County Historical Society, where he serves as President, the first African American to ever serve in this role. As we reflect on our shared history, Larry's presence reminds us of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and working collectively to build a stronger and more inclusive community.
We are also privileged to have Uriah Johnson, the Campus Missioner of the Episcopal Church in Tyler & Nacogdoches, grace us with his wisdom and insights. With his deep commitment to anti-racism education and dedication to serving the Church and the Community, Uriah will provide invaluable perspectives on the path towards reconciliation and understanding.
In addition to the impactful speeches and exhibition, we are delighted to announce an extraordinary performance by Paul Haygood and friends. Paul Haygood, known for his diverse talents as a licensed massage therapist, professional juggler, and now musician, has crafted an original song specifically focused on commemorating the lives of the men who tragically lost their lives to local mob racial violence, particularly on the Tyler Square. Drawing from his rich East Texas roots and his passion for music, Paul and his friends will use their musical talents to honor and remember the lives affected by racial terror. This extraordinary performance will move and unite us as a community in remembrance.
We invite you to be part of this transformative experience by joining us at the 2nd Annual Lynching Memorial. Together, we can honor the memories of those who suffered, find inspiration in their resilience, and recommit ourselves to the ongoing fight against racism and inequality. Let us stand united in asking our officials to allow the installation of a memorial on the square, embracing the principles of justice, equality, and compassion that will shape a better future for all.
Remember to visit our website, WeRememberTyler.org, for more information and to sign up for our email newsletter. Stay connected with us on Facebook at We Remember Tyler - Lynching Memorial and be part of our community dedicated to preserving our history, fostering unity, and promoting social justice. Together, we can make a difference.
Don't miss this powerful exhibition at the vigil, as it showcases the historic photos of the Hilliard lynching—a testament to the tragic reality of racial injustice. Witness the unseen and bear witness to our collective history. Let us honor the community affected by this violence and continue our journey toward truth, healing, and lasting change.
