Scottsboro, AL-
During February people across the country and here in the valley will take time to reflect on Black history. February first marks a milestone for a civil rights museum in Scottsboro. Monday morning people of all backgrounds and cultures came together to celebrating black history. One year ago the Scottsboro Boys Museum opened its doors to the public in Scottsboro. As a part of Black history month, museum founder and director Sheila Washington invited the public to celebrate diversity and history. "Today is a special celebration since we opened the museum last year during Black history month, this is a historical case that will never die" Washington said.
In 1931 the nine Scottsboro boys were convicted by an all white jury jury and sentenced to death. Two white women accused the group of raping them. Eventually the nine black youth were exonerated after the women admitted that they had lied about the charges.
Scottsboro resident Libby Franklin says its very important to celebrate Black history, and having a local museum makes it even more educational. "We need education first off. Our young people need to know what happened to the Scottsboro boys" Franklin said. "I need to know what happened to the Scottsboro boys".
Since the museum opened, twelve hundred people have visited. Some of those came from four different countries.
