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Today in History: Lynching of Three Circus Workers Shocks Nation

6/15/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On June 15, 1920, a White mob of thousands lynched three African-American circus workers—Elias Clayton, Elmer Jackson, and Isaac McGhie—in Duluth, Minnesota. This brutal act followed rumors that six Black men had assaulted a White woman, shocking the nation and highlighting racial tensions in the Northern United States.

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Story summary

On June 15, 1920, a White mob of thousands lynched three African-American circus workers—Elias Clayton, Elmer Jackson, and Isaac McGhie—in Duluth, Minnesota. This brutal act followed rumors that six Black men had assaulted a White woman, shocking the nation and highlighting racial tensions in the Northern United States.