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The Tragic Death of a Voting Rights Hero | Alexandria Louisiana News
In 1951, WWII veteran and NAACP leader John Lester Mitchell bravely attempted to register to vote in Opelousas, Louisiana — a move that ignited a legal battle against systemic disenfranchisement. Just before his court date, he was fatally shot by a volunteer deputy who claimed self-defense. Though the FBI investigated, no direct link to the voting case was found, and charges never followed. Despite the legal roadblock, Mitchell’s sacrifice helped spark a surge in Black voter registration in the region. His family continues to honor his legacy, ensuring his courageous fight for justice isn’t…
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