Roman Ducksworth Jr. facts for kids

Roman Ducksworth Jr. (born 1934 – died April 9, 1962) was an African-American military police officer. He was sadly killed by police in Taylorsville, Mississippi. This happened because of his race, while he was on his way to the hospital. He was going to visit his wife, who was expecting their sixth child.

About Roman Ducksworth Jr.

Roman Ducksworth Jr. was a military police officer. He worked for the army and was stationed in Maryland. He was close to completing ten years of service. During his time in the army, he often sent gifts home to his children. Roman Ducksworth Jr. had a wife and six children. One of his children was born shortly after his death.

His Tragic Death

On April 9, 1962, Roman Ducksworth Jr. was traveling by bus. He was going to a hospital to visit his wife and their new baby. While he was sleeping on the bus, a police officer made him get off. The officer did this because Roman was Black. The officer also thought he was a Freedom Rider. Freedom Riders were brave people who rode buses to protest unfair segregation laws.

A small struggle happened between them. The officer then used his gun and shot Roman Ducksworth Jr. He died right there. Roman's sister-in-law and her son were present when this happened.

Aftermath and Remembrance

The killing of Roman Ducksworth Jr. was officially called a 'justifiable homicide'. This meant that no one was punished for his death. No further action was ever taken in the case.

Despite this, Roman Ducksworth Jr. received a full military funeral. This included special honors and a 16-gun salute. About two thousand people from his town attended his funeral.

In 1989, the Southern Poverty Law Center honored Roman Ducksworth Jr. They recognized him as a civil rights martyr. His name is now on a special memorial designed by Maya Lin. This memorial remembers those who died fighting for civil rights.