Pastor: lynching photo shown to urge people to vote

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - A sign urging people to vote is sparking a lot of conversation on the city’s east side.

The sign sits in front of Greater St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church on East 38th Street.

The sign reads on top, “Vote,” but it’s the imagery that has people talking.

One side of the sign shows slaves in chains, with the wording beneath it “Lest we forget.”

The other side of the sign shows the historical image of the lynching in Marion of two black men in the 1930’s.

“It’s to let people know there's been a price paid for the privilege of voting. Often times people get complacent and don’t realize that people made a sacrifice, matter of fact, the ultimate sacrifice for such a privilege,” said Pastor Joy Thornton with Greater St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church.

Pastor Thornton put the sign up himself, saying the historical images shouldn't be forgotten.

“Regardless of who you vote for, you need to exercise your privilege, which is voting,” said Thornton.

Joyce Hise works across the street, and says she doesn’t have a problem with the sign.

“It was just kind of a little shocker, it made me stop to think. So many people don’t know, and they don’t realize this was part of our history, and it is a reason to vote,” said Hise.

Others don't agree with the sign. Mary Bishop owns the seafood shop across the street.

“It’s not a good example for him to have it like that,” Bishop said. “He meant well, but he went about it in the wrong way.”

We contacted the Indianapolis Urban League to see what their opinion was on the sign. Their president Joe Slash says the group agrees with the need to appeal to people to vote, but they don’t agree with the sign and the picture used.