The testimony of black men and women was important in Leo M.
Frank's trial for the murder of Mary Phagan and was treated as such by both the prosecution and the defense.
But then and now, little is known about the horrific abuse these black witnesses repeatedly suffered.
Prosecutors often label black witnesses as "sweaty" or "third-hand." This means that black people are threatened or humiliated physically and verbally with the belief that they will only tell the truth with such intense fear.
Leo M.
Frank, who even the district attorney at trial found guilty of murder, was never treated this way by a police officer, detective, or prosecutor.
Leo Frank proposed to frame two black men, paying "evidence" and engaging with the "evidence" from his point of view, and at one point, James Conley, with witnesses to Frank.
Evidence was asked with regards to the crime which Leo Frank intended to pin on James Conley.
One of the most important things in this case.
(Illustration: James Connie)
