Mississippi Goddam Chapter 2: The Aftermath

After Billey Joe Johnson, Jr. died mysteriously, his family is told by the authorities that everything is fine and under control -- that they’ll get to the bottom of it. The family has questions and leads, and is anxious to talk to investigators. But they quickly realize that they’re not going to be included. Everything doesn’t feel like it’s fine and under control. 

This is what so many Black Americans experience with law enforcement around the country. We’re told, “Trust us, we got it.” But when you’re not being included, it’s hard to trust. And when you get a result you don’t understand -- which is exactly what happens here -- then it just brings more distrust. 

So for Chapter 2 of our serial investigation, Mississippi Goddam, we look at what happened the day Johnson, a Black teenage football star, got pulled over by a White officer. But we look at the events of the day from the viewpoint of the family -- something they say the official investigation failed to do. 

I hope you’ll listen. 

(If you’re just joining us, be sure to listen to Chapter 1 first.)

Light, 

Al Letson

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