Eye for an Eye: The Role of Armed Resistance ... - Freedom Archives

civilian militia in contrast to the para-military character of the Deacons . Women
like Ora Bryant, Annie Reeves, Laura McGhee, Unita Blackwell, and countless
others regularly participated in the defense of their homes and communities . Yet
women rarely participated in community patrols . As the Deacon's para-military
model is applied the Mississippi Movement and other places outside of Jonesboro,
women are not considered in what was generally considered a man's responsibil-
ity . Thus, the idea of defending the community being equated with "manhood"
became more entrenched as the work of armed defense became more formally
institutionalized.
After the patrols by the Deacons in Jonesboro, the Klan terrorism sub-
sided . The cross burnings and beatings, and other forms of abuse all seemed to
decrease in the face ofdisciplined, armed Black resistance. With armed Deacon
escorts, CORE workers were able to conduct their voter registration in a more
secure environment. Members of the Deacons protected the CORE Freedom
House at night and escorted CORE activists in and out of town . Leading CORE
activists were also provided with personal security. Local police officials were
warned by the leadership of the Deacons that the police activity in the Black
community would be monitored by armed Blacks under a disciplined leadership
and that police brutality would not be tolerated . The Deacons represented a
parallel police force which represented the forces of the Movement ."
The spokesperson and organizer of the Jonesboro Deacons was Earnest
Thomas, often referred to as "Chilly Willy." Thomas, thirty two years old when
the Deacons were first organized, was self-employed, ahandyman by profession.
He was considered well read and informed by his peers . One of his influences was