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1972 - "Charlotte Three" Convicted

July 15, 1972 - The Charlotte Three are convicted of firebombing.

  • Three Charlotteans, including T. J. Reddy, are convicted of setting fire to a barn that kills fifteen horses at the Lazy B. Stables. The three black men deny involvement. (Photo shows Reddy and fellow defendant Charles Parker leaving the courthouse.)
  • The controversial trial and lengthy prison terms draw international attention. Amnesty International condemns the trial and harsh sentences. 
  • The case becomes known as "The Charlotte Three." Reddy is sentenced to 25 years in prison. His attorney, James Ferguson, will appeal to the federal court in 1974, claiming the men did not receive a fair trial because two key prosecution witnesses were promised money. 
  • After three and a half years in Camp Greene Prison, T.J. Reddy will be released. [1] T. J. Reddy becomes a Charlotte artist and poet.
Event Date: 
July 15, 1972
Event Type: 
Turbulent Times 1960-1979
Exhibit & Section: 
African American Album Volume 2 [2]
Main Image: 
T. J. Reddy, (with suitcase) leaves the courthouse with fellow defendant Charles Parker
Reddy walks out of Camp Greene Prison after three and a half years.
Node Order: 
1190
Tags: 
African American Album 2 - Events Timeline [3]
This node displays related exhibits: 
No
Event Date Field: 
Thursday, December 28, 2017
Date of Event:


Source URL:https://www.cmstory.org/exhibits/african-american-album-volume-2/1972-charlotte-three-convicted

Links
[1] https://www.cmstory.org/sites/default/files/images/119b.gif [2] https://www.cmstory.org/exhibits/african-american-album-volume-2 [3] https://www.cmstory.org/tags/african-american-album-2-events-timeline