The story of Allen Green, a Black man in Oconee County, South Carolina, in the early 20th century, reflects the harsh realities of racism and injustice during the Jim Crow era. Born to formerly enslaved parents in 1878, Allen Green grew up in a society built on the exploitation of Black labor and systemic oppression. Despite the challenges, Allen managed to achieve some success, marrying a woman named Flora in 1909, and working steadily to provide for his family.

1915: The First Allegation
In 1915, Allen was falsely accused of attempting to assault a 26-year-old white woman who knew his family well. The mere accusation during this time was often enough to incite mob violence or a swift death sentence, especially for Black men. The woman who accused Allen had a questionable reputation, and many in the community, including prosecutors, didn’t believe her. Despite this, Allen was found guilty by a jury, but they recommended mercy, something incredibly rare for Black men in the Jim Crow South. Allen was sentenced to 13 years of hard labor on a chain gang but served only four years after a successful campaign for his parole.

Success and Resentment
Upon his release, Allen returned to his life, rebuilding his financial standing. His success, however, drew the ire of local white residents, particularly poor white mill workers and farmers. In the rigid racial hierarchy of the South, a successful Black man was seen as a threat. Allen’s city job, his financial independence, and his ability to rise above the low expectations placed on Black citizens fueled deep resentment.

In 1930, this resentment was exploited by Robert Valentine, a young white lawyer running for mayor. Valentine’s campaign promised to fire Allen from his city job, using racial and economic fear to galvanize support from the poor white community. His campaign stoked the idea that Allen’s success came at the expense of white workers, and this helped Valentine win the election.

Easter Sunday Lynching
On Easter Sunday, 1930, tragedy struck. A white man named Bert Ramey, along with his wife and sister, visited Allen’s home under the pretense of renting a mule. Ramey fabricated a story that would justify the lynching that followed, accusing Allen of inappropriate behavior. Although many white people did not believe the allegations, the embers of racial hatred were easily ignited.

Over two nights, groups of white men met to plan the lynching. On the second night, a mob of over 100 men stormed the jail where Allen was being held. Despite attempts to hide, Allen was found, dragged out of his cell, and tied to a tree. The mob shot him hundreds of times, ending his life in a brutal display of racial violence.

The Aftermath: A Failure of Justice
Despite widespread knowledge of the mob’s actions, justice for Allen Green was never served. Seventeen men were indicted, including Mayor Robert Valentine, but the trial was a farce. The judge dismissed key evidence, and many mob members claimed their confessions had been coerced. Ultimately, all defendants were acquitted, and no one was held accountable for Allen’s death.

Mayor Valentine went on to have a successful legal career, securing a position with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Meanwhile, Allen Green’s life, his achievements, and his potential were erased, reduced to old newspaper articles and a death certificate.

Conclusion: Why Allen Green’s Story Matters
Allen Green’s story is not just a reflection of the violence Black people faced during the Jim Crow era—it’s a reminder of the systemic forces that conspired to suppress Black success. His life and death represent the resilience of Black individuals in the face of unimaginable injustice, and the lengths to which society went to prevent them from thriving.

We must continue to tell stories like Allen’s, so they are not forgotten, and so we can better understand the long legacy of racial injustice in America. Allen Green mattered. His life, his struggle, and his tragic end deserve to be remembered.