The Benson Five

In the wake of Dr. King's murder, five black youths, fed up with Klan harassment in their small NC town, decide to act.
Filmmaker: @sarahsmile68

[The Benson Five @thebensonfive]

Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. today and every day. His dream for justice and equality inspires us all. Happy birthday, King! 🎉
#MLKDay #EqualityForAll #TheBensonFive

[The Benson Five @thebensonfive]

In Memory of Debois “Scotty” Gathers 🕊️

Four years ago, we lost Debois Scotty Gathers — a member of the Benson Five whose courage still inspires. His fight for justice is a lasting legacy.

Rest in power, Scotty. ✊🏾

#TheBensonFive #RestInPower #BlackHistory #BlackResistance

[The Benson Five @thebensonfive]

Happy birthday to one of the Benson Five members, Frederick Donnell Lockamy! 🎉

[The Benson Five @thebensonfive]

Happy birthday to Benson Five member Leo Stewart, Jr.! ����We pray your special day is full of joy and blessings!
#TheBensonFive

[The Benson Five @thebensonfive]

Following Dr. King's 
assassination and intimidation by  local Klan members, the Benson Five resolved to try to 
burn down the town's local KKK meeting hall 56 years ago today.

Their bravery continues to be 
recognized today.
#TheBensonFive #northcarolina #civilrightsmovement

[The Benson Five @thebensonfive]

the Black Power Movement. Today, we honor his legacy!
#MartinLutherKingJr
#TheBensonFive
#civilrightsmovement

[The Benson Five @thebensonfive]

On this day in 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. His untimely death not only provided a time of national mourning leading to remarkable legislative achievements but also energized the civil rights movement and

[The Benson Five @thebensonfive]

As February comes to a close, Black History Month serves as a reminder of our past and a call to action to continue working for equality.
#BlackHistoryMonth #TheBensonFive

[The Benson Five @thebensonfive]

Ninety-five years ago in Atlanta, Georgia, on this day in 1929, a King was born! Happy birthday to one of the most recognized and inspiring civil rights leaders in world history.

#MartinLutherKingJr #mlkday #civilrights

[The Benson Five @thebensonfive]

We wish The Benson Five's Percy Valle Barfield a very happy birthday today! We hope your day is spectacular! 🎉🎉🎉
#PercyValleBarfield
#TheBensonFive

[The Benson Five @thebensonfive]

Wishing Benson Five member Fred "Skipper" Lockamy a very happy birthday! Enjoy your special day, Sir! 🎉🎉🎉
#FredLockamy
#TheBensonFive

[The Benson Five @thebensonfive]

60 years ago today, on August 28, 1963, the March on Washington was held in the nation's capital. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech at the march, standing in front of the Lincoln Memorial, calling for an end to prejudice.
#MarchOnWashington

[AFRICAN & BLACK HISTORY @AfricanArchives]

A lone Black man attends a Klan rally in Jackson, Mississippi (1950)

[The Benson Five @thebensonfive]

These racist KKK billboards greeted visitors and residents in the 1960s and 70s in Johnston County. #TheBensonFive

[Equal Justice Initiative @eji_org]

On this day in 1920, the KKK hired publicists to grow the white supremacist organization. Within 16 months, nearly 100,000 new members joined. By 1924, there were three million active members. To overcome racial inequality, we must confront our history. https://t.co/Z87H4GdbP9

[The Benson Five @thebensonfive]

Wishing a happy birthday to Benson Five member Leo Stewart! Enjoy your special day! 🎉🎉🎉#TheBensonFive #civilrightsmovement

[The Benson Five @thebensonfive]

Happy birthday to the late Jesse Jones of the Benson Five! May your legacy live on...
#TheBensonFive

[The Benson Five @thebensonfive]

Here are stills from the upcoming documentary, "The Benson Five."

#TheBensonFive #civilrightsmovement
#MartinLutherKingJr

[The Benson Five @thebensonfive]

55 years ago today, five young black men from Benson, North Carolina, took action in opposition to the local Ku Klux Klan. Today, we recognize the courage of Frederick Donnell Lockamy, Percy Valle Barfield, Leo Stewart, Jr., Debois Scotty Gathers, and Jesse Jones.

[The Benson Five @thebensonfive]

Today marks the 55th anniversary of civil rights leader, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination.
King delivered his last speech, "I've Been to the Mountaintop," the night before, in Memphis, Tennessee. On this day, we honor his legacy! ✊🏾
#MartinLutherKingJr

[The Benson Five @thebensonfive]

#OTD in 1960, four black NC A&T students known as the Greensboro Four began a movement of nonviolent protest against segregated businesses with sit-ins held at Woolworth's in downtown Greensboro, North Carolina.
#BlackHistoryMonth   
#civilrightsmovement
#GreensboroFour