Scenic Roots

"Scenic Roots" offers conversations that matter in the heart of Chattanooga and the Tennessee Valley.From the mountains to the river, our conversations are rooted deep within every corner of our community - reflecting who we are, who we were and who we can become.We engage with the news that affects our community, behind and beyond the headlines. We build bridges that span from creators and innovators to storytellers and the outdoors. We focus on our challenges as many communities in one - as we celebrate what inspires us. We resonate with countless voices - in words and spaces, sounds and songs.We are "Scenic Roots."Ray Bassett hosts and produces "Scenic Roots" at WUTC.

A Play On The Case Of Ed Johnson And A Supreme Court Justice

WUTC | By Ray Bassett

Published September 9, 2024 at 6:49 PM EDT

The Ed Johnson Memorial at the Walnut Street Bridge in downtown Chattanooga.

This month three years ago - in September 2021 - the Ed Johnson Memorial was dedicated at Chattanooga’s Walnut Street Bridge.

In 1906, Johnson - a young Black man - had been falsely accused and wrongfully convicted of a crime that he did not commit.

His case reached the United States Supreme Court, which had issued a stay of execution.

But then, on March 19th, a violent mob took the law into its own hands - and lynched Johnson on the Walnut Street Bridge.

From his arrest through his trial to the final moments of his life, Johnson said, again and again, quote: “I am an innocent man.”

In 2021, months before the memorial’s dedication, I spoke with Neil Thomas - former judge for the 11th Judicial District Circuit Court of Tennessee - as part of our conversation series on Ed Johnson for “Scenic Roots.”

Judge Thomas has written a play about the case - and on Tuesday, a public reading of the play will be held at the Hamilton County Courthouse in downtown Chattanooga, in the 4th Floor County Commission Room from 3 PM to 5 PM.