Arfin, In September 2025, two men were discovered lifeless and hung from trees in Mississippi, recalling the horrific history of lynchings in southern U.S. states. While they were located in different towns, the incidents both happened within hours of each other.
Demartravion "Trey" Reed was only 21 years old and a student at Delta State University. Authorities have said there are videos of the young Black student's death, but they are keeping those contents quiet. Instead, local officials have claimed that Reed supposedly died by suicide, disputing the notion that there could be evidence of 'foul play.'
Cory Zukatis was 36 years old. He was found in a forest and already his case is being met with dismissive tones by referencing the difficulties he faced in life, including homelessness. While Zukatis was white, his plight also reminds us of the cruelties inflicted on unhoused persons.
The fact that these hangings were discovered on the same day reminds us of the horrors that have been inflicted, especially on Black people, for generations.
The NAACP posted a statement voicing "skepticism" about the police's preliminary findings regarding Reed's death, stating: "we offer this piece of history with a level of certainty: Our people have not historically hung ourselves from trees..."
Reed's family has hired civil rights attorney Ben Crump to push for an independent autopsy and full investigation, while Congressman Bennie Thompson from Mississippi is urging the FBI to investigate. We must amplify their calls! Sign the petition to demand a full investigation, including by the FBI, to determine the truth! |
