The Scottsboro Boys

Scottsboro Boys are Arrested

Mar 25, 1931

While riding a train, nine African American males are arrested on charges of assault and rape

Riots Form Against Boys

Mar 26, 1931

A crowd of over 100 gathers outside of the jail where the Scottsboro boys are being held. They call for the nine boys to be lynched.

8 of the Boys are Sentenced to Death

Apr 7, 1931

Clarence Norris, Charlie Weems, Haywood Patterson, Olen Montgomery, Ozie Powell, Willie Roberson, Eugene Wiliiams, and Andy Wright are sentenced to death by the court. The youngest, Roy Wright, gets a mistrial.

Willie Stokes is executed

Jul 10, 1931

Willie Stokes is executed within hearing range of the other jailed boys.

Ruby Bates Withdraws Rape Accusation

Jan 5, 1932

Ruby Bates, one of the girls who originally claimed to have been raped by the Scottsboro boys, says that she had not been raped.

US Supreme Court overturns convictions

Apr 1, 1935

Due to African Americans being excluded from the jury, the US Supreme Court overturns the convictions of Haywood Patterson and Clarence Norris

Governor Denies Pardon Applications

Nov 1, 1938

Alabama Governor Graves denies all pardon applications of the remaining Scottsboro boys.

Patterson Temporarily Escapes Prison

Period: Jul 1, 1948 to Jun 1, 1950

7:2 Haywood Patterson escapes prison before eventually being arrested by the FBI

Alabama Governor Pardons Norris

Oct 1, 1976

Alabama Governor George Wallace pardons Clarence Norris

Alabama Governor Pardons All Nine Boys

Apr 19, 2013

Governor Bentley Signs Scottsboro Boys Legislation All nine of the Scottsboro boys are officially pardoned by Alabama Governor Robert Bentley