Black or white Quote by David Grann
““Emmett White became a firm, even unyielding, sheriff. Still, he showed remarkable consideration toward the people in his custody and insisted on making arrests without brandishing his six-shooter. He did not philosophize about the law or his responsibilities, but Tom noticed that he always maintained the same manner, no matter whether the prisoners were black or white or Mexican. At the time, extrajudicial lynchings, particularly of blacks in the South, were one of the most egregious failures of the American legal system. Whenever Emmett heard that locals were planning to throw a “necktie party,” he would rush out to try to stop it. “If a mob attempts to take the negro” from the sheriff, a reporter noted in one case, “there will be trouble.” Emmett refused to put young, nonviolent prisoners in the jail alongside older, more dangerous convicts, and because there was no other place for them, he let them stay in his own house, living with his children. One girl remained with them for weeks on end. Tom never knew why she was in jail, and his father never discussed it.””
About This Quote
Source Book: “The Devil’s Highway” (excerpt), 2018
A lawman can be firm yet compassionate, protecting all under his charge despite societal injustice.
In simple terms: A sheriff can be strict and kind.
Key Takeaway
Balance authority with empathy.
Themes
justice
leadership
racial equality
Mood
serious
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
historical
When to use this quote
- community policing
- prison reform
- civil rights advocacy
- conflict mediation
Key Concepts
ethical law enforcement
human dignity
Questions to Reflect On
- How would you act when faced with mob pressure?
- What policies can protect vulnerable prisoners?
A Different Perspective
Balancing firmness and compassion is challenging in hostile environments.
![“I believe [...] that while all human life is sacred there’s nothing wrong with the death penalty if you can trust the legal system implicitly, and that no one but a moron would ever trust the legal system.” quote by Neil Gaiman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4e5/neil-gaiman-29_criminal-law_i-believe-that-while-all-human-life-is-s_159108.jpg)
