bernard
THEE Realist
Fifty years ago Friday, Phillip Lafayette Gibbs, a 21-year-old prelaw student, and James Earl Green, a 17-year-old Jim Hill High School student, were killed in a burst of gunfire from local and state law enforcement on the campus of Jackson State College.
When the 28-second barrage ended, Gibbs lay dead near Alexander Hall, a residence hall, and Green on the opposite side of the street. Stray buckshot and shattered glass wounded 12 others, inside and outside the women's dormitory.
Phillip Gibbs, a Jackson State prelaw major, and James Earl Green, a Jim Hill High School Student, were killed by police gunfire on the campus of Jackson State College on May 15, 1970. (Photo: Courtesy/Jackson State University)
"May 14-15, 1970, is a tragic time not only in our university's history but the history of the United States," said Thomas Hudson, acting president of what is now Jackson State University. "Two young men lost their lives, many were injured, and families were torn apart. People are still living with the trauma of that day.
"Therefore, we must always take time to reflect on this historic occasion, so we can also remember the strength and resilience we have as a community. It is the tenacity of all those impacted by these events that contribute significantly to JSU's legacy."
When the 28-second barrage ended, Gibbs lay dead near Alexander Hall, a residence hall, and Green on the opposite side of the street. Stray buckshot and shattered glass wounded 12 others, inside and outside the women's dormitory.
Phillip Gibbs, a Jackson State prelaw major, and James Earl Green, a Jim Hill High School Student, were killed by police gunfire on the campus of Jackson State College on May 15, 1970. (Photo: Courtesy/Jackson State University)
"May 14-15, 1970, is a tragic time not only in our university's history but the history of the United States," said Thomas Hudson, acting president of what is now Jackson State University. "Two young men lost their lives, many were injured, and families were torn apart. People are still living with the trauma of that day.
"Therefore, we must always take time to reflect on this historic occasion, so we can also remember the strength and resilience we have as a community. It is the tenacity of all those impacted by these events that contribute significantly to JSU's legacy."
'All hell broke loose': Memories still vivid of Jackson State shooting 50 years ago
Phillip Gibbs and James Earl Green were killed and 12 were injured on May 15, 1970, when law enforcement opened fire at Jackson State.
www.clarionledger.com
Last edited:
