Linda Duyer

Mob Law on Delmarva Linda Duyer

How prevalent was mob violence on Delmarva? What forms of violence, murder, and intimidation impacted African Americans of the Eastern Shore? In an effort to address these questions, researcher Linda Duyer compiled detailed information about cases of lynching, threats of lynching, and other forms of violence from 1870 through the 1940s on the Eastern Shore region of Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. The work resulted in some surprises, raised more questions than answers, and contributes to the larger dialogue and body of research on race in America. Talking about it can be difficult. Taking a hard look at our history and ourselves can be uncomfortable, but learning from painful history is important for confronting the past and strengthening communities.