Scottsboro Trials-mikaela

Arrests and Charges

Mar 25, 1931

Fight breaks out between white and black youth on a Southern Railroad freight train. Nine black youth were charged for assault. Rape charges were put against black youth by white girls, Victoria Price and Ruby Bates. Accused taken to Scottsboro, Alabama.

National Organizations...

Period: Apr 1, 1931 to Dec 31, 1931

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the International Labor Defense (I.L.D.) raise money for the defense of the defendants and their families.

Trial Starts...

Period: Apr 6, 1931 to Apr 9, 1931

The 9 "Scottsboro Boys", Clarence Norris, Charlie Weems, Haywood Patterson, Olen Montgomery, Ozie Powell, Willie Roberson, Eugene Williams, and Andy Wright are tried, convicted and sentenced to death. Thirteen year old Roy Wright's case ends when 11 jurors seek a death sentence whileone votes for life imprisonment.

Executions?

Jun 22, 1931

The executions of the defendants are pending to the Alabama Supreme Court.

Ruby Bates

Jan 5, 1932

Ruby Bates sends a letter to her boyfriend, denying that she was raped.

Eugene Williams

Mar 24, 1932

The Alabama Supreme Court gives Eugene Williams a new trial because he was a juvenille when he was first convicted.

Ruby Bates Testifies

Apr 6, 1933

Ruby Bates appears as a witness for the defense, denies that any rape occured and testifyes that she was with Victoria Price the whole train ride. Dr Bridges states that Bates showed no signs of being raped by six men.

New Court

Period: Oct 20, 1933 to Dec 31, 1936

The cases were moved to Judge William Callahan's court. Roy Wright and Eugene Williams transferred to Juvenille Court. Patterson is found guilty and is sentenced to 75 years in prison.

Some Charges Dropped

Period: Jul 23, 1937 to Jul 24, 1937

Rape charges are dropped for Ozzie Powell. Olen Montgomery, Willie Roberson, Eugene Williams, and Roy Wright's rape charges are dropped as well.

What's Next?

Period: Nov 17, 1938 to Jun 9, 1950

Andy Wright, Clarence Norris, Weems are released on parole. Norris is returned back to prison in October 1944. Wright is returned back to prison in October 1946. Ozzie Powell is released on parole. Norris is paroled again. Patterson escapes from prison. Wright is paroled again and finds a job in New York.