I'm of the mindset that we must confront our country's dark deeds in order to understand how we can develop a better society. Without Sanctuary is a collection of photographs and a flash movie detailing the visual legacy of American lynchings. Most people know that lynchings took place in the U.S. (although few realize the extent), but they are often recounted as temporary lapses of collective sanity... instead this documentary site gives an idea of how lynchings were a socially sanctioned activity used to keep a section of society in check and fearful. Just as shocking and horrific as the desecrated bodies of Black Americans are the smiling, joyous faces of the White Americans in the crowds.
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Searching through America's past for the last 25 years, collector James Allen uncovered an extraordinary visual legacy: photographs and postcards taken as souvenirs at lynchings throughout America. With essays by Hilton Als, Leon Litwack, Congressman John Lewis and James Allen, these photographs have been published as a book – "Without Sanctuary" by Twin Palms Publishers . Please be aware before entering the site that much of the material is very disturbing. We welcome your comments and input through the forum section.
Without Sanctuary
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