Jared Story on Mrs. Chaney

Jared Story has left some wonderful recollections of Mrs. Chaney in the comments.

My condolences go out to Ben and his sisters, Barbara, Julia, and Janice. I met Ms. Chaney at the Killen trial in 2005. I was struck by both her quiet strength and her humor. She told Sheryl, Ash-Lee, and myself that she was supposed to accompany us on the 2004 Freedom Ride for Justice, but that her son Ben had left her sitting on her front porch with her bags packed. She suggested we should take him outside and give him a good whoopin’ for forgetting to pick her up.

What inspired me the most about Ms. Chaney was that, during her testimony, she was determined not only to tell the story of her son and his companions, but to let the world know that nine other bodies of black men had been found during the search for Chaney, Goodman, and Schwerner. When asked by the prosecution how she learned that her son’s body had been found, she made a point to detail each of the several phone calls she received describing the features or clothing of a body or bodies that had been found. I wish I could find the exact transcript. Ms. Chaney deserved a standing ovation–I know I was not the only person in the courtroom both saddened at the reality of what she was saying, but beaming at her boldness. May she rest in peace. I know she is rejoicing with James at her side now.

I also recommend Jared's account of some troubling events that took place during the 2004 Freedom Ride for Justice.

I'll note here, as well, that it was an honor to receive this comment from Freedom Rider Edward Kale.