February 26, 1948
Describes that an investigation was being conducted after a Black woman named Mamie Peterson filed charges of rape against two white men.
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Negro Pays Fine After Entering Plea Early Today
November 3, 1961
Describes Charlie Brown, a Florence ‘Negro’ previously taken into custody for “breaching the peace”, pleading guilty to his charge and paying a fine of $10. The articles goes on to say that the incident had no connection with any planned “sit-in” movement and was a misunderstanding.
Possible Local ‘Sit-In’ Attempt Reported Today
November 2, 1961
This article describes Charlie Brown, a ‘Negro’ man, sitting down in a downtown drugstore in Florence, Alabama. Police were called after Brown made no effort to leave despite being asked to do so by store owners and he was taken into custody. The police assumed he would be charged with breach of the peace.
4 Teenagers Arrested in ‘Dousing’
April 8, 1956
Describes the arrest of 4 teenagers in the “dousing” of ‘Negroes’. They were charged with disorderly conduct and ordered to appear in municipal court on April 14.
Police Sound Warning As: Local Negroes Reported ‘Doused’ by Teenagers
April 5, 1956
Describes Florence and Sheffield teenagers driving by ‘negro’ citizens and “dousing” and dousing them with water balloons as they walk down the street. The article also states that local police are working with the ‘negro’ citizens to identify the culprits as quickly as possible.
Negro Slugged, Car Set Afire
December 16, 1955
Describes that Willie B. Smith, a Black man from Florence, was attacked and that his car was set on fire. Also, includes that he was sent to Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital and that the police were investigating the incident.
Negro Nightspot Operator Claims $25 Fee Asked For By Police Commissioner
November 10, 1955
Describes that Ozzie Newsome, a Black man who owned a restaurant in Muscle Shoals, was told by Police Commissioner Thomas F. Terry that he would have to pay a $25 fee each week to operate, a fee that Newsome could not afford. The article continues to describe the trial that was still being deliberated by the jury at the time the article was written.
‘Wolf-Whistle’ Trial Opens Monday
September 18, 1955
Describes the murder of Emmitt Till and notes that a trial with an all-white jury was beginning. Also, notes that police officers had not found evidence necessary for conviction.