Abstract

White Justice in Dallas

On September 15, 1941, a young Negro, L.C. Akins, left his work as porter in a garage in North Dallas, Texas to go to his home. He got his transfer and with a number of other persons walked toward the entrance of the Oak Lawn car that he wished to take. In doing so the young Negro either actually brushed ahead of and jostled a young white woman who was also entering the car, or her husband, who was at her elbow, thought he did. At any rate the young white man grabbed the Negro from behind. Words, blows and a fight followed instantly. The fight was marked by a gun that came from the white man's own gun. Akins was put to jail, denied bail, tried and given a life sentence. The verdict was reversed, he was tried again and this time given a death sentence, which has been affirmed.