The First Waco Horror: The Lynching of Jesse Washington and the Rise of the NAACP (Centennial Series of the Association of Former Students Texas A & M University Book 101)

I’m sure there are many accuracies in the book about what happened after the murder in Robinson. Growing up in Waco, my Dad often talked about this evil act. However the author seemed to want to leave the impression that young Mr Washington was guilty in spite of such flimsy evidence and the questionable confession.

It was a very sad book but it informed me so much about a tragedy that had occurred in America and the cruel nature of the lynching mob.

I have seen this dramatic daytime lynching of Jesse Washington in a town square depicted in history books over the years both as a student and as a public school teacher in South Carolina. I knew what I saw in the picture was barbaric but this book gave the backstory on what lead up to this public disgrace in Waco, Texas. The aftermath of many key players in how this forgotten atrocity went on to prosper and many who never recovered is explained in detail here. Waco will never be what it could have been as a regional major city because of this story. Eyewitness accounts from different views and perspectives during this time are connected like a puzzle making a very clear picture of this hideous act to perpetrate upon another human being. Lest we never forget.

This book gives the gruesome truth about the horrific lynchings, especially in Waco, Tx, in the early 1900's. Bernstein is matter of fact as she exposes the maltreatment of African Americans.

Book was in great condition, though Used. This was an easy read with difficult content. What a shocking account of such atrocities, nearly right out my front door here in Texas. This book makes you realize how far we have come in the war against racism. Thankfully!

good historical writer

A moving, occasionally horrifying, but enlightening look at a miserable period in our history.

As advertised

A very interesting and cracking good read. Those who are keen to learn about the history of violence and white supremacy in the American south should read this book. Patricia Bernstein leaves no stone unturned in her quest for the truth about the death of Jesse Washington, a black teenager who suffered a horrific death at the hands of thousands of racist whites in the town square.