The Roosevelt Institution
Named for Noah Parden, this center is devoted to researching and proposing policy in economic and social justice. Noah Parden was the attorney who represented Ed Johnson in the early 1900s. Johnson was a black man on trial for the rape of a white woman. Ed Johnson was found guilty with an unfair trial and was sentenced to hang. The people of Chattanooga, along with Sheriff, Shipp, did not let Mr. Johnson await his execution. He was lynched on the Walnut Street Bridge. Leroy Phillips and Mark Curriden wrote the book, Contempt of Court detailing the events and trial. In 2000,Hamilton County Criminal Court Judge, Doug Meyer reversed the guilty verdict of Ed Johnson to make right a wrong that had been on the books almost 100 years. After the trial, Noah Parden faded into obscurity and there is nothing, that we know of, in Chattanooga, praising his actions.
The Center for Economic and Social justice addresses issues relating to the judicial system, especially criminal law, social welfare programs, and economic regulation.
If you would like to join this center, please register with the national site by clicking here and then contact the director.
Group members:
Derek A Gosma