Almost 100 Years Later, Community Gathers to Remember Infamous Duluth Lynching

Clayton, Jackson and McGhie Were Murdered in 1920

DULUTH, Minn.- 97 years ago, Elias Clayton, Elmer Jackson, and Isaac McGhie were falsely accused of raping a woman were dragged across the city of Duluth, beaten, and hung from a light post.

A memorial was dedicated October 10th of 2003 at the intersection where the lynching happened, and Thursday, a remembrance ceremony was held in honor of the 3 men whose lives were taken.

The lynching is a dark spot in Duluth’s past, and though the lynching is painful to talk about for many, some believe it’s a vital piece of history that needs to be remembered and discussed.

“It’s beginning to bridge those gaps of cultural disparity we have in our communities, also getting our neighbors out to meet each other and know each other and also to celebrate our culture our heritage, our future, and also looking towards our future,” said Kym Young, the Executive Coordinator of the Superior African Heritage Community.

But the goal of the event isn’t just to remember. It’s also to open up conversations about racial justice and equity, and address racism that many people of color still continue to experience in their day to day lives, so that the community can continue to work together, to eradicate racism.

“We still have stuff that’s going on around the nation that’s tough to talk about it’s difficult, but we need to deal with it, because, it feels like we’re moving backwards,” said Stephan Witherspoon, Co-chair of the Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial Inc. Board of Directors.

A memorial service to honor the men was also held at Park Hill Cemetery.