Shocking Revelation: The Hidden Truth Behind Her Grandfather’s Alleged Heroic Act Toward a Black Man

Grace Elizabeth Hale, a historian and professor at the University of Virginia, has written a new book titled “In The Pines: A Lynching, A Lie, A Reckoning,” which delves into a 1947 lynching in Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi. Hale, known for her expertise on the South and white supremacy, felt compelled to explore this particular incident due to her personal connection to the area and the recent events in Charlottesville, where she resides.

Hale’s book goes beyond a mere historical account and delves into her own family history. Growing up in Georgia, she spent summers with her grandparents in Jefferson Davis County, where she was told that her grandfather, Oury Berry, had heroically prevented a lynching by giving a speech to the townspeople. However, through her research, Hale discovered that her grandfather had actually been involved in the murder of Versie Johnson, a Black man accused of raping a white woman.

The book explores the complexities of this incident, including the fact that the woman who made the accusation never came forward and may have had a consensual relationship with Johnson. Hale’s motivation for writing this book stems from her desire to reexamine and confront America’s history of racism and white supremacy, as well as the erasure of such history.

Hale draws parallels between the attitudes of white supremacists in the past and present. She highlights the belief among white supremacists that they are serving their community through extra-legal actions, similar to how the insurrectionists on January 6th saw themselves as heroes saving the country. Hale argues that this mindset stems from the notion of white male citizenship encompassing the right to personally embody the law.

Through her meticulous research, Hale aims to not only correct the historical record but also bring Versie Johnson’s life to light. She regrets not pursuing this story earlier when more participants and witnesses were alive, but acknowledges the limitations of research without access to digitized genealogical records. Despite the difficulties and resistance from some family members, Hale is determined to uncover the truth and contribute to a deeper understanding of America’s past.

Overall, “In The Pines” serves as a powerful exploration of a dark chapter in American history and an examination of the persistent impact of racism and white supremacy. Through her personal journey and meticulous research, Hale sheds light on the erasure of history and its connection to the perpetuation of systemic racism.