Roadhouse Justice: Hattie Lee Barnes and the Killing of a White Man in 1950s Mississippi

In 1951, Hattie Lee Barnes, a young Black woman, killed a white intruder who was likely intending to assault her. Trent Brown's book, Roadhouse Justice, examines the long-forgotten circumstances surrounding this case, revealing the precarious nature of Black lives under the 1950s southern justice system and Barnes's intense determination and refusal to buckle under the pressures she faced.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 14 September 2022
Publisher: Louisiana State University Press

In 1951, a young Black woman named Hattie Lee Barnes, working as an overnight caretaker at a county-line beer joint in southwestern Mississippi, encountered a white intruder who was likely intending to assault her. In a tragic turn of events, Barnes took matters into her own hands and shot and killed the intruder, Lamar Craft. This incident sparked a whirlwind of conflicting stories and murder attempts, illuminating the capriciousness of Mississippi justice, where race, personal connections, and community expectations played a significant role.

The killing of Lamar Craft threw the courts into a state of confusion and turmoil. The case received widespread media attention, and many people were skeptical of Barnes' actions. Some believed that she had acted in self-defense, while others accused her of murder. The trial proceedings were long and drawn out, with numerous witnesses testifying and conflicting accounts of the events leading up to the shooting.

Despite the challenges and obstacles she faced, Barnes remained steadfast in her conviction that she had acted in self-defense. She was represented by a young and inexperienced attorney named Robert Kennedy, who was later to become a prominent figure in American politics. Kennedy's defense strategy focused on highlighting the racial tensions and discrimination that existed in the community and the fear that Barnes felt for her safety.

Despite the overwhelming evidence against her, Barnes was acquitted of the murder charge. The decision was a significant victory for her and a testament to her determination and resilience. The case also highlighted the flaws in the southern justice system, where race and social status often determined the outcome of legal cases.

In his book, Roadhouse Justice, Trent Brown examines the long-forgotten circumstances surrounding this case. He delves into the details of Craft's death and the lengthy court proceedings that followed. Brown also explores the precarious nature of Black lives under the 1950s southern justice system, where racial tensions and discrimination were prevalent.

Through the story of Barnes' tribulations and ultimate victory, Brown demonstrates her intense determination and refusal to buckle under the enormous pressures she faced. Barnes' case became a symbol of resistance against racial injustice and a testament to the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.

Roadhouse Justice is a powerful and eye-opening account of a forgotten chapter in American history. It sheds light on the struggles and sacrifices made by Black women in the face of systemic oppression and highlights the importance of seeking justice and equality. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of race and justice in the United States.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780807178010