THE PURPOSE
A truth commission is a process that seeks to “tell a version of history that includes the victims’ experiences and voices, recognizes their humanity and rights, and seeks to come to terms with abuse in all of its many dimensions. Truth commissions can help overcome false assumptions and myths about the past and identify policies and systematic practices at the heart of abuses.” These efforts can “help societies come to terms with how such a thing could happen and what must change in order to avoid similar abuses in the future.”
1979 Greensboro Massacre
On November 3, 1979 five people were murdered, ten people were wounded, four women and one man were widowed, and the community of Greensboro, North Carolina, was thrown into shock and confusion. Four television crews captured the killings on film. Nevertheless, the perpetrators, members of the American Nazi Party and the Ku Klux Klan, were twice acquitted by all white jurors of any wrongdoing, in state and federal courts. Eventually, several Klan members, Nazis and Greensboro police officers were found jointly liable for one of the deaths.
Truth Commission
The Greensboro Truth and Community Reconciliation Process sought to provide a clear understanding of the events of November 3, 1979 and their aftermath to seek truth, justice, and healing for the entire city. The Truth Commission spent 2 years hearing various testimonies, reviewing documents, and hosting public forums across Greensboro. The Commission concluded that the absence of police was the major contributor to the loss of life.
CITY APOLOGY
On October 6, 2020, the Greensboro City Council passed a set of resolutions, apologizing to the widows, the survivors, and the Morningside Community for the 1979 Klan/Nazi Greensboro Massacre.
CURRENT & FUTURE ENDEAVORS
Beloved is collaborating with groups and individuals locally and nationally to initiate a North Carolina Truth Justice and Reconciliation process. Our organization is also advising other Truth initiatives around the country.
