The Rise and Fall of the Fighting Editor

Born into slavery in Henrico County, John Mitchell, Jr. would become known as the fighting editor of the Richmond Planet newspaper confronting the violence and injustices of the Jim Crow South through his publication. Whether it was through the organizing of boycotts, the endless crusading against lynching laws, or public appearances to allow his persecutors to do their worst, Mitchell would not back down. Be sure to check out the travelling exhibit Un/bound: Free Black Virginians, 1619-1865 before or after the program. Information: sch107@henrico.gov