Walz visits Clayton-Jackson-McGhie Memorial in Duluth, urges action to create change

Gov. Tim Walz on Monday visited the Clayton-Jackson-McGhie Memorial in Duluth on the 100th anniversary of their deaths.

After stopping at the memorial, Walz met with community leaders to talk about police reform and accountability, as well as Minnesota's special legislative session.

Today I visited the memorial for Elias Clayton, Elmer Jackson, and Isaac McGhie, 100 years after they were lynched in Duluth and accused of a crime they did not commit.

We can never forget this shameful, tragic event in Minnesota’s history. pic.twitter.com/0rststk3mS

— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) June 15, 2020

Later, the governor talked to reporters and urged Minnesotans to learn the history behind the memorial, saying many don't know it. Elias Clayton, Elmer Jackson and Isaac McGhie were lynched by a white mob in 1920. On Friday, the Minnesota Board of Pardons has unanimously voted to grant a posthumous pardon to Max Mason in the alleged rape of a 19-year-old white woman.

Minnesota Board of Pardons issues posthumous pardon on anniversary of Duluth lynchings

Walz also said it's important that Minnesotans and lawmakers learn from the deaths as well as the death of George Floyd and move forward to create change. With a special session ongoing, Walz urged action on several pieces of legislation to help create that change. He added that he's willing to compromise on some legislation that might be holding up more movement during the special session but not on the values of minorities.

The governor also issued a proclamation to officially recognize Monday as Elias Clayton, Elmer Jackson, and Isaac McGhie Commemoration Day.

You can watch his full press conference below.