Hell Put to Shame

The narrative nonfiction work uncovers the tragic mass killing of eleven Black farmhands in 1921 Georgia, revealing the pervasive issue of peonage, a form of post-Civil War slavery. It intertwines elements of police procedural, courtroom drama, and political expose, highlighting the efforts of key figures like James Weldon Johnson, the first Black leader of the NAACP, and Walter F. White, who exposed racial violence. The redemption arc of Georgia governor Hugh M. Dorsey adds depth to the story, showcasing a pivotal moment in the fight against systemic racism.