(50) Lynchings In Georgia From 1877-1950

For an American context there is a notion that transitional justice mechanisms cannot be applied. While not all mechanisms would be appropriate, in the case of lynchings in Georgia instituting truth and reconciliation... [ view full abstract ]

For an American context there is a notion that transitional justice mechanisms cannot be applied. While not all mechanisms would be appropriate, in the case of lynchings in Georgia instituting truth and reconciliation commissions and memorials is a way to affect social and political change in the United States. By analyzing the the truth commission cases of South Africa and Peru we identified the necessity for state and local acknowledgement approval of what is implemented; moreover, they demonstrate how perceived neutral parties facilitate the best local responses. Memorials serve as local ownership of collective truths established in the preceding truth commission. To this point our work underlines how implementation would be sequenced- truth commission then memorials. Our proposal would place organizations like the Equal Justice Initiative as a leader of the commission, understanding that they have conducted the most substantial work in uncovering truths about lynchings and they also act as a neutral party that already operates in local contexts. The Equal Justice Initiative reports that Georgia has the second highest number of recorded lynchings in the United States, with a documented 590 lynchings. Lynching serves as a tool of terrorism to secure economic and political power for white communities. Through a Truth Commission and Memorials commemorating the victims of lynchings, this policy proposal intends to affect the social, political, and economic changes in the United States.