West Memphis revisited
Race-divided city now finds blacks pitted against one another.
by Grif Stockley
Page 7 of 7
Henderson, who is black, had been quoted in an Evening Times article earlier in the year as saying, "There is already a divide, not only on this [Democratic] committee, but in the whole county. ... We've got to come together."
Though Bob Paudert has moved on from the West Memphis Police Department, the reformers are not satisfied. They have a litany of complaints ranging from brutal, illegal searches to the reckless behavior of police that resulted in the wrongful deaths of six people, three black and three white. According to James Pulliaum, the new chief, Donald Oakes, has made improvements.
At the end of the day in Crittenden County, what constitutes an honest discussion about race seems to be in the eye of the beholder.
Grif Stockley is the author of "Ruled by Race: Black/White Relations in Arkansas from Slavery to the Present" published in 2008 by the University of Arkansas Press. He is completing a book about the 1959 fire at the Negro Boys Industrial School.
People who saved…
Readers also liked…
-
Harrison fights racist reputation
Local task force and high school diversity council lead the way.
- Aug 1, 2012
Latest in Cover Stories
-
A guide to the 2013 Little Rock Film Festival
With film picks, a survey of the Arkansas program, a complete schedule and more.
- May 16, 2013
-
A downtown dream realized for Little Rock Film Festival
Screens straddle the river.
- May 16, 2013
-
Ten to watch at the Little Rock Film Fest
Films not to miss.
- May 16, 2013
- More »
Event Calendar
-
Re: Efficiency program from Entergy Arkansas could save you money
What's the saying? If it sounds to good to be true - it usually is.
- on May 18, 2013
-
Re: More to watch at the Little Rock Film Fest
The police are beholden to & trained by fbi.
See my reports concerning…- on May 18, 2013
-
Re: It was a good week for celebrity visits to Little Rock
Mark Pryor's standing well with both the NRA and the IRS. After all, he got…
- on May 18, 2013
Site Index
News
Cover Story / Arkansas Reporter / The Week That Was / Smart Talk / The Insider / The Observer / Editorial / Max Brantley / Ernest Dumas / Gene Lyons / Bob Lancaster / Words / Guest Writer / Letters
Entertainment
A&E Feature / To-Do List / In Brief / Movie Reviews / Music Reviews / Theater Reviews / A&E News / Art Notes / Graham Gordy / Books / Media / Dining Reviews / Dining Guide / What's Cookin' / Calendar / The Televisionist / Movie Listings / Gallery Listings
This Week's Cover
Quick Links
Special Publications
RSS
Facebook
Twitter
