Civil Wrongs

Institute for Public Service Reporting
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  • HISTORY

Civil Wrongs is a project of the Institute for Public Service Reporting in collaboration with WKNO-FM. Here, we analyze the present-day effects of historical cases of racial terror in Memphis and the Mid-South.

  1. Unjust pursuit

    10/13/2025

    Unjust pursuit

    In this third and final episode of season 6, we talk to the family and others connected to the Memphis case that resulted in a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that made national waves and shaped how police could use force against people fleeing from them. And that probably would have made a difference in the case against Phillip Hatley’s killer, too. We also dive into the most recent scathing report on the Memphis Police Department from the U.S. Department of Justice and how the city plans to move forward.  Mentioned in this episode:  Tennessee v. Garner decision by U.S. Supreme Court (Library of Congress) "Investigation of the Memphis Police Department and the City of Memphis" (U.S. Department of Justice, 2024) "Fired Officers Worked In MPD’s ‘SCORPION’ Unit" by Marc Perrusquia, Institute for Public Service Reporting

    26 min
  2. Silenced Bloodlines

    10/13/2025

    Silenced Bloodlines

    This episode explores how Phillip Hatley’s family responded to his death — both at the time and through three generations, as more information has come to light. His grandsons say they have a newfound understanding of their father, who was five years old when Phillip Hatley was killed within earshot of his family. The next generation sees opportunities to affect change in their community as police brutality feels closer to home and their family heals. We also talk to Dr. Monnica Williams, a clinical psychologist and associate professor of psychology at the University of Ottawa on how trauma, including racial trauma, can be carried through generations.  Mentioned in this episode:  Dr. Monnica Williams X: @DrMonnica, Instagram: @drmonnica, LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/monnicawilliams, Treating Racial Trauma: A Certification in Clinical Anti-Racism Solomon Hatley Ministries on Facebook, YouTube, TikTok Phillip Hatley Foundation

    19 min
  3. The Killer Wore a Badge

    10/13/2025

    The Killer Wore a Badge

    In this episode, we bring you the story of Phillip Hatley, a 43-year-old Black husband and father who was shot in the back and killed by a drunk Memphis police officer in 1939. His death led to a publicly contentious trial that ended with his killer going free.But his own grandsons knew only bits and pieces of what happened despite growing up in the same neighborhood. We journey with them back to where it all began and chat with the researcher who uncovered the story.  Mentioned in this episode: Civil Rights & Restorative Justice Project "From Boss Crump to King Willie: How Race Changed Memphis Politics" by Otis Sanford

    23 min
  4. Revisiting connections between lynching and the death penalty as Tennessee resumes executions

    05/14/2025

    Revisiting connections between lynching and the death penalty as Tennessee resumes executions

    Tennessee recently scheduled its first executions after a five-year hiatus. In this episode, we host a conversation between Steven Hale, author of “Death Row Welcomes You” based in Nashville, and Margaret Vandiver, author of “Lethal Punishment: Lynchings and Legal Executions in the South” to talk about the connections between lynching and the death penalty. Resources mentioned in this story: “Death Row Welcomes You” by Steven Hale “Lethal Punishment” by Margaret Vandiver Death Penalty Information Center Tennessee Death Row Prisoners Ask Governor Lee to Halt Scheduled Executions While Courts Assess Constitutionality of New Lethal Injection Protocol by Death Penalty Information Center

    4 min
  5. Tom Lee’s relatives reflect on 100th anniversary of heroic water rescue

    05/08/2025

    Tom Lee’s relatives reflect on 100th anniversary of heroic water rescue

    One hundred years ago on May 8, a Black man who could not swim saved 32 white people from drowning in the Mississippi River.  That heroic act got him a meeting with President Calvin Coolidge and a house in North Memphis. And one of Downtown’s most iconic parks honors his heroism. His name was Tom Lee. The park was not always welcoming to Black people — even his own descendants. But those striving to keep his story alive, from relatives to park leaders, hope Memphians will be inspired by his willingness to lend a helping hand. Resources mentioned in this story: Tom Lee Park events Memphis River Parks Partnership

    9 min
  6. Weaving history into community development

    05/06/2025

    Weaving history into community development

    In this Memphis neighborhood, the economic potential of its future is just as important as the telling of its past. The Klondike Smokey City Community Development Corporation has been working for years to provide affordable homeownership for residents while also preserving its history.  Resources mentioned in this story: Klondike Smokey City Community Development Corporation Monument Lab Re:Generation grant Northside Square Moving Klondike Forward The Works

    6 min
  7. Community sing-along honors ’68 Memphis sanitation strikers

    04/14/2025

    Community sing-along honors ’68 Memphis sanitation strikers

    The 1968 Memphis sanitation worker's strike was a pivotal point in the Civil Rights Movement. It eventually led to the fatal shooting of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Lorraine Motel. Local activists say that although the tragic event left a stain on the Bluff City, it is important to remember the positive change that came in the aftermath of the strike. For the past eight years, The BIG We has been hosting community events to celebrate those contributions. During this year's series, a group of strangers met at the iconic Willie Mitchell's Royal Studios for a community sing-along. Those who attended the event spoke about how this moment in music made them feel.  Resources mentioned in this episode:  Anasa Troutman: Founder & CEO of The BIG We, Cultural strategist, writer, director, producer, philanthropist, real estate developer The BIG We: Non-profit organization In This Place 2025 Event Series Willie Mitchell's Royal Studios

    3 min
  8. Healing from racial trauma through breathing

    03/03/2025

    Healing from racial trauma through breathing

    In 1961, Dwania Kyles was among the first group of 13 Black children to integrate Memphis’ public school system. To aid in her own healing from that traumatic experience, she became a certified wellness coach. Now, she helps others find healing through deep abdominal breathing, which is known to help reduce stress, anxiety, blood pressure, and heart rate. Resources mentioned in this episode:  Dwania Kyles: Speaker, Civil Rights Advocate, Wellness Consultant, Breath Coach Memphis 13 Foundation

    9 min
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About

Civil Wrongs is a project of the Institute for Public Service Reporting in collaboration with WKNO-FM. Here, we analyze the present-day effects of historical cases of racial terror in Memphis and the Mid-South.

Information

  • Creator
    Institute for Public Service Reporting
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2023 Civil Wrongs
  • Show Website
    Civil Wrongs