“I never was a true believer in non-violence, but was willing to go along (with it) for the sake of the strategy and goals. (However) we heard that James Chaney had been beaten to death before they shot him. The thought of being beat up, jailed, even being shot, was one kinda thing. The thought of being beaten to death without being able to fight back put the fear of God in me. Also, I was my mother’s only child with some responsibility to go home in relatively one piece and decided that it would be unforgivable sin to willingly let someone kill my mother’s only child without a fight. (So) I acquired an automatic handgun to sit in the top of that outstanding black patent and tan leather handbag that I carried. I don’t think that I ever had to fire it; I never shot anyone, but potential was there. And I still would hurt anyone if necessary to protect my son and grandson and his wife.” ~ Cynthia Washington, former field secretary of the Student Nonviolent.

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