Chattanooga, TN 2024

Hometowns Program

Summer 2024

Summary of the Program

“The case of Ed Johnson leading to U.S. v Shipp impacted the country by allowing the message to be that the Supreme Court cares and will work to correct injustice, the Constitution is colorblind, and that you cannot disrespect and fail to acknowledge the authority of the Supreme Court…” -Mackenzie Gula, 2024 Hometowns Student

For two weeks, the Chattanooga Hometowns students were immersed in Chattanooga history, state and federal judicial procedures, Constitutional law, and the importance of Rule of Law. They toured their federal courthouse and attended a live court proceeding in Judge Collier’s courtroom. They also visited local sites linked to Chattanooga’s early history as well as the Ed Johnson case.

Applying their new understanding of the judicial branch, the Hometowns students investigated the historic criminal trial of Tennessee v. Ed Johnson. Mr. Johnson was a Black man accused of attacking a white woman and his case was somehow both typical and unique. After a speedy trial and questionable conviction, the Supreme Court intervened and stayed his execution due to the heroic efforts of two Black attorneys, Noah Parden and Styles Hutchins. Sadly a vengeful mob lynched him before the Court could hear the appeal. The mob’s actions, and the inaction of the sheriff and his deputies, led to the only criminal trial in Supreme Court history, United States v. Shipp (1909).

Legal and historical experts from throughout the Eastern District of Tennessee led the students through sessions and discussions on the Reconstruction era, criminal trials and the rights of the accused, the procedures and functions of the Supreme Court, the Fuller Court and Justice John Marshall Harlan, and media literacy. As a program capstone, the students designed a five-panel exhibit on the cases and their impact. The exhibit will open in the Joel W. Solomon Federal Courthouse this fall.

None of this would have been possible without the unyielding support of Judge Curtis Collier, Chief Judge McDonough, Judge Atchley, and their wonderful law clerks Carrie Stafaniak, Eriene R. Lewis, Rachel Noveroske, and Kelly Walsh as well as Dr. Michelle Deardorff and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Appreciation and gratitude also extend to the legal and historical experts for sharing their expertise: Dr. Alicia Jackson (Covenant College), Judge Greenholtz (11th Judicial District Criminal Court Judge, TN), Trey Hamilton (United States Attorney), Kyle Wilson (AUSA), Erin Rust (AFD), Clay Whittaker (AFD), Retired Judge Neil Thomas (descendant of case attorney WGM Thomas), Kathy McCallie Gardner (descendant of Reverent McCallie), Jeffrey T. Green (Sidley Austin), and Peter Canellos (Harlan Biographer).

Chattanooga Exhibit Opening

Understand the rarity of this program. There is nothing like. There is no where else that you can meet so many influential people in our government. There is no where else where you have the opportunity to engage in conversation with judges and district attorneys. There is no where else where you can delve into the federal branch as deeply as you will here.

Peighton S.

In my opinion, the most valuable information shared was during the Ida B. Wells presentation. I think the stereotypes, the different ways people rebelled, and the historical background are really important as they set why everything happened the way it did. I think Ida B. Wells is a great historical figure, and learning about her is significant as she created news articles, boycotted trains, and was a prominent figure in the movement for blacks and women.

Arley M.

My favorite part of this program was getting to talk to the speakers and hear from there. Since we had listen to a variety of people, we got to hear about so many different jobs and perspectives in this system.

Kathryn M.

I’ve really loved the capstone project. I’ve really locked and grasped every detail that we’ve worked on because it’s a hands on project.

Leah F.

I would recommend this program to others because it was very interesting, and I think even if you aren’t interested in law, you can get a lot out of this program regarding the history of Chattanooga and gaining a better understanding of our court system.

Hayden C.