Lexington in Fayette County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Wanting Everyone to Have a Vote
— Downtown African-American Heritage Trail —
Benjamin lived and died for his beliefs
In October 1900, R.C.O. Benjamin, the African American editor of The Lexington Standard, escorted a group of black citizens downtown to register to vote.
Confronted racist poll worker
At Precinct 32 in Irishtown, a neighborhood called “Bloody B” for its political violence, white poll worker Michael Moynahan harassed the would-be voters. He beat Benjamin with a revolver and was arrested for assault.
After release from jail, Moynahan waited near Benjamin's home – 60 West Main Street – until the lawyer returned, and shot him in the back six times on Oct. 2, 1900, killing Benjamin. Moynahan pleaded not guilty by self-defense, and the case was dismissed.
Erected by Together Lexington. (Marker Number 1.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Law Enforcement. A significant historical date for this entry is October 2, 1900.
Location. 38° 2.936′ N, 84° 30.005′ W. Marker is in Lexington, Kentucky, in Fayette County. Marker is at the intersection of South Broadway (U.S. 68) and West Main Street, on the left when traveling north on South Broadway. Marker is in Triangle Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 400 W Main St, Lexington KY 40507, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lexington (within shouting distance of this marker); African American Physicians (within shouting distance of this marker); First Inauguration (within shouting distance of this marker); Clark Hardware Company Building (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Peaceful Protests for Equality / Turning a Blind Eye to a Movement (about 500 feet away); St. Paul Catholic Church (about 500 feet away); Town Branch (about 500 feet away); Silversmith Shop (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lexington.
Also see . . . Benjamin, R.C.O. Notable Kentucky African Americans Database entry on Benjamin. (Submitted on March 15, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
Credits. This page was last revised on March 15, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 15, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 74 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 15, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.