The Ell Persons Historical Marker stands as a somber reminder of Memphis dark past. Located at the intersection of Summer Ave (U.S. 70) and Bartlett Road, near the 5400 block of Summer Avenue, its nestled amidst a bustling urban landscape.

The marker commemorates the tragic lynching of Ell Persons, an African American woodcutter living nearby. He was arrested twice, interrogated twice, and released twice before his horrifying death in front of over 15,000 spectators on May 22, 1917. The tragedy underscores one of Memphiss most chilling chapters.

The creation of this historical marker was a student-led initiative, spearheaded by a class from the Facing History and Ourselves program at Overton High School in Memphis. Their dedication brought light to a dark corner of the citys history and spurred the placement of another marker during a service organized by the Lynching Sites Project. The markers were unveiled with notable attendees, including Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland and Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell.

The historical site is accessible 24/7 for anyone who wishes to reflect upon this sobering piece of history. Its precise coordinates are 35° 9.616′ N, 89° 52.852′ W, placing it squarely within the heart of Memphis urban fabric.

As you stand before this solemn tribute, imagine the crowd that gathered around Ell Persons on that fateful day in 1917. Listen to the echoes of their shouts and the cries of the man whose life was violently taken from him. Let this moment serve as a reminder of the power of history, the importance of remembering the past, and our collective responsibility to ensure such atrocities are never repeated.