The Duluth lynching, 100 years later

On June 15, 1920, three black men wrongfully accused of a crime were lynched by a mob in Duluth.

One hundred years later, the city's residents are remembering the killings of Elias Clayton, Elmer Jackson and Isaac McGhie — even though a large event marking the somber anniversary had to be canceled because of the pandemic. 

After George Floyd's killing in Minneapolis late last month, activists have held vigil daily at a memorial for the three men in downtown Duluth at the corner of East First Street and North Second Avenue East.

MPR News host Angela Davis talks with the city's human rights officer and one of the people organizing virtual events this week to ensure the men aren't forgotten. 

Guests:

• Kim Green is the co-chair of the Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial in Duluth.

• Carl Crawford is the human rights officer for the city of Duluth and a member of the Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage.

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