Murder on the Suwannee River: The Willie James Howard Story

Willie James Howard was a fifteen-year old African American child who was lynched by three white men in Live Oak, Florida on January 2, 1944. His offense was writing a love letter to a white girl whose father led the attack on the boy. The boy's father was also abducted and had to watch his son murdered by being forced at gunpoint to jump into the Suwannee River with his hands and feet tied. An all-white Suwannee County grand jury refused to indict the men although the girl's father admitted abducting Willie James and tying his hands and feet on the way to the Suwannee River. The local sheriff ordered the body buried within twenty-four hours. Although fully apprised of events, the governor refused to intervene. Willie James, who was an only child, was buried in an unmarked grave for over sixty years. For more information, visit: www.wjhstory.com

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[Ilovedthe70s76]

@casketkey Yes it's suppose to be mean and a negative slur on whites but being a white person the word cracker is funny as hell same as being called a Honky. Nothing about being white has ever offended me I just laugh

[bebeinpa]

Kim Leach, a victim of Bundy was murdered in Suwanee park as well.

[corjo34]

I think this is very sad, he was so young. The person who did this was just plain cruel, but the word "cracker" that is being thrown around on here, is just as ridiculous. Yes, there are white and black people that have committed crimes, but these people are individuals! Not all races are bad, because of a person. Whites were racist, and I don't agree with it at all. Blacks are racist too it seems more than the whites are now. Don't say "cracker"

[shaybe420]

its the way the law was so get over it he knew better

[purity4all]

We are all equally important, equally human, and equally deserving of love and respect. Lets all pray for this veil of prejudice to be lifted , that we may all see each other for who and what we really are!

[purity4all]

This case was an atrocity, a despicable act carried out by ignorance and hatred. However holding on to an injustice from so long ago and continuing the hatred towards whites (crackers as some of you will have it ) only perpetuates the double sided problem of racism in this area. If there was I way to see justice brought to this young man many would like to see it happen, blacks and whites alike; but lets not allow the stupidity from so long ago ruin the love and friendships we could have now.

[sndixon10]

I am from Live Oak and this is something that is not talked about at all. There are also other cases that are disclosed in the County. I think all of this needs to be put out on the table.

[Souljoro]

"cracker" doesnt even begin to describe the devils who commited this murder. Devils like that should not even be allowed to breed. If there was any justice, they would have spent the rest of their lives in a cell instead of polluting the planet with their offspring.

[willnflorida]

Way to open up communication, with the use of terms such as "cracker."

[casketkey]

Q: When you use "cracker" do you mean to use it as the negative use of "nigger"?