1978. Geraldo Rivera as part of his ABC news investigation sheds light on the growing racial turbulence in Tupelo, after protests against police brutality escalate into boycotts, marches, and more.
“The officers who beat a confession out of the suspect, were eventually forced to resign…despite that small victory, the boycott by the United League continues…”
The boycott is underway and store owners begin to lose money, then the ‘original cone-heads’ become involved. We see a short clip of the movie ‘Birth of a Nation’, an interview with Imperial Wizard Bill Wilkinson, marches and cross burnings. Later in the clip we hear from a local leader of the United League who had his car shot up, as well as a member of the moderate city council.
The events in Tupelo Mississippi during the summer of 1978 began as protests against police brutality, eventually with up to 3,000 marching for reform. Tens of thousands more were involved across the region.
This day, Geraldo’s television history.