New Documentary Reveals 1943 Lynching of Bobbie Hall and How Screws v. U.S. Still Blocks Police Accountability
The Ohio Justice & Policy Center (OJPC) today announced production of a new documentary that uncovers the 1943 lynching of Bobbie Hall — a Black World War II veteran — by a white sheriff and several deputies in Newton, Georgia, and traces how the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Screws v. United States continues to impede prosecutions of law‑enforcement violence 86 years later.
Using archival material, interviews with family members and prosecutors, evocative animation, and original music, the film centers Bobbie Hall’s life and death while clearly explaining the legal and policy barriers rooted in Screws that block federal accountability today. The documentary also presents concrete reform measures and action steps available to advocates, lawmakers, and communities seeking justice.
OJPC is proud to host this film because Bobbie Hall’s story is both a human tragedy and a legal cautionary tale. Gabe Davis, CEO of OJPC and a former federal prosecutor who saw firsthand how Screws can shut down accountability. This project illuminates the history and points to paths forward.
The project brings together family and advocates: Bobbie Hall was a close friend of Edgar Duncan, the grandfather of Rodney Fountain (founder of Going Beyond the Lights). Hall’s grandchildren have united with film director Candace Chekwa, civil‑rights attorney Alphonso Gerhardstein, and attorney Paul DeMarco to raise awareness of this long‑forgotten moment in history.
Planned interviewees include Hall family members, former and current prosecutors, civil‑rights scholars, and criminal‑justice advocates. OJPC will use the film as the centerpiece of a public‑education and advocacy campaign to promote legal reform, strengthen federal civil‑rights enforcement, and expand accountability tools for policing.
Screening, distribution, and broadcast plans will be announced in the coming months. For updates, screening requests, or interview opportunities, contact:
Contact Ohio Justice & Policy Center Email: secondchance@ohiojpc.org
Phone: (513) 421-1108
Website: Ohio Justice & Policy Center | We Don't Write People Off
About the Ohio Justice & Policy Center
The Ohio Justice & Policy Center advances criminal‑legal reform and civil‑rights accountability through litigation, research, policy advocacy, and public education. Led by former prosecutors and civil‑rights experts, OJPC pursues practical solutions to systemic barriers to justice.
About Us
Going Beyond the Lights (GBL), utilizes the experience of retired and former police officers to take “The Talk” to a more in-depth conversation. The teachers of the program are not only retired and former officers; they are fathers, mothers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, godparents, neighbors and other loved ones. Our goal is simple, that is to educate willing participants on how to handle engagements with police.
Most people will have their first interaction with the police on a traffic stop. What seems so simple to some, has led to some serious emotional trauma for both young and old. Something as simple as traffic infraction can lead to serious bodily injury or death. Knowing that, GBL will concentrate this lesson on dealing with traffic stops.
We want to thank you for allowing us to be part of “The Talk” you may have with your loved ones. We pray that the information provided will leave you with a better understanding of handling any police interactions.
Our team is very knowledgeable in law enforcement practices, procedures and customs. As you view our photos from our law enforcement careers, feel free to allow us to introduce ourselves to you to get an in-depth view of our various accomplishments and assignments.
Founder | Coach Education: Albany State University: B.S. Degree Criminal Justice Work Experience: Albany Police Dept. 1 Yr. Tallahassee Police Dept: 1989-2019 Recruiter Field Training Officer (FTO) Alpha Field Force (Riot Control Squad) D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Officer District officer of the Year Internal Affairs Investigator Criminal Investigator Unit Citation Award Meritorious Award Acting Sergeant for 13 Sergeants Tallahassee Police Dept. Rejoice Singers Tallahassee Police Dept. Police Athletic League Coach
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Instructor/Coach Education: Florida A&M University: B.S. Degree Political Science Military Service: U.S. Army (4 Years of Service) 2nd Armored Calvary Regiment Work Experience: Tallahassee Police Dept: (1994-2022) Recruiter and Background Investigator. Field Training Officer (FTO) Financial Crimes Investigator Narcotics Investigator COPPS Squad Tallahassee Regional Airport Police Working Worrier Award City of Tallahassee for the Tallahassee Police Department NAACP Award for Tallahassee Police Department Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated
Instructor/Coach Education: Attended: Tallahassee Junior College, Florida State University and Florida International University (F.I.U.) Work Experience: Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Inspector General (OIG) OIG Captain 2007-2012 OIG Investigator 2012-2024 Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations, Office of Inspector General: OIG Special Agent 2006-2007 Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE): Capital Police 2005-2006 Tallahassee Police Department 1979-2004: TPD Reserve Sergeant Criminal Investigation Division (CID) Burglary Squad Sergeant CID General Property Investigator Crack and Gang Squads Patrol Field Training (FTO) Sergeant Alpha Field Force Sergeant (Riot Control Squad) Patrol Police Officer
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Instructor/Coach EDUCATION: Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, May 1982. Bachelor of Science Degree with Major in Criminal Justice EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE: *Tallahassee Police Department's First Black Female Promoted to Sergeant* Contract Manager, Tallahassee PAL Civil Citation Program, since January 2013 Youth Mentor Coordinator, Tallahassee PAL, October 2011-2013 Grant Writer, since January 2001 Tallahassee Police Department, April 25, 1983-Sept. 30, 2011 Lieutenant (October 1, 2003 – September 30, 2011) •Watch Commander •Assistant Division Commander, Criminal Investigations •Assistant Division Commander, Special Services •Program Coordinator for Police Athletic League, INC; •Assistant Division Commander, Patrol Sergeant (June 1990 – September 30, 2003) •Program Coordinator of the Police Athletic League, Inc., 1999-2003 •Supervisor for General Property Crimes Investigators, 2002 – 2003 •Administrative Sergeant for Bravo District, 2001-2002 •Supervisor for the Crime Prevention Unit, 1999-2001, •Supervisor for the Recreation Officers and the Truancy Unit, 1997-1998. •Supervisor for the Serious Habitual Offenders Comprehensive Action Program, (SHOCAP), 1996 –1998 •Supervised the Drug Abuse Resistance Education Unit, 1990-1994, •First –Line Supervisor assigned in the Patrol Division, 1990-1993 Investigator: (1987-1990) Criminal Investigations Division •Burglary/ Pawn Shop Investigator, 1990 •Gang Squad Investigator, 1987 •Background Investigator / Police Recruiter, (1988 -1989) Patrol Officer: (1983-1987) Leon County Sheriff Office; Correctional Officer, Tallahassee, Florida (1982-1983 CERTIFICATIONS /AWARDS: •Law Enforcement Officer Certification, June 27, 1983 •Correctional Officer Certification, 1982 •Drug Abuse Resistance Education Officer Training Certification, April 1994 •Certified Crime Prevention Practitioner, July 2002 •TPD Commanders and Chiefs Award of Excellence, 2001 •Tallahassee NAACP Black Achievers Award, 2005 SPECIALIZED LAW ENFORCEMENT SCHOOLS: •Middle Management Training •Instructor Techniques •Emergency Response To Criminal/Terrorist Incidents •Sex Crimes Investigations •Narcotics Investigations •Advanced Interviews and Interrogations •Advanced General Criminal Investigations Techniques •First Responder Certification PERSONAL ENRICHMENT TRAINING: •Grant Writing Workshops/Schools •Supervision Skills for Women •Goal Building Workshops •Leadership Developmental Courses •Mortgage Broker Certification COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: •Vice President, Tallahassee PAL Board of Directors, Inc., January 2013 •Program Coordinator & Mentor, Palmer Monroe Teen Council, January 2012-2013 •Treasurer, Tallahassee PAL Board of Directors Inc., 2010-2012 •Director, Region 6, State of Florida Police & Athletic League, 2006-2011 •Coordinator, PAL Summer Basketball League, since 2000 •Member of Celebrate New Life Tabernacle Church, Tallahassee, FL since 2002 •Project Director for Tallahassee Police Athletic League, Inc., 1999-2010 •Board Member of the State of Florida Police Athletic League, 2000-2011 •Leadership Tallahassee, Class 19 Graduate •Heartwood Hills Neighborhood Association member, since 1996 •Guardian Ad Litem, 1986-1988 •Past President Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority, Alpha Kappa Chapter, Florida State University, 1982 •Past Advisory Board Member of Tallahassee Urban League’s Black on Black Crime Task Force •Past Advisory Board Member of Safe and Drug Free Schools •Past Advisory Board member of Second Chance School •Past Advisory Board member of Capital City Youth Services •Past Advisory Board Member of the Prevention Coalition
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Instructor | Coach Education: Florida State University: B.S. Degree Criminology Work Experience: Tallahassee Police: 1983-2011 Military Service: Marine Corp Reserve Retired Lieutenant Homicide Investigator Internal Affairs Investigator Burglary Division Sergeant Burglary Investigator Watch Commander Gang Squad Crack Squad Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated
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Instructor | Coach Education: Florida A&M University: B.S. Degree Social Work Work Experience: Tallahassee Police Dept: 1987-2015 Lower Income Housing Police Guardian ad Litem Official Field Training Officer (FTO) D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Officer Crime Prevention Officer Criminal Investigator Tallahassee Regional Airport Tallahassee Police Dept. Rejoice Singers Kidsafe Board member
Instructor | Coach Education: University of West Florida: B.A. Degree Public Relations Military Service: U.S. Army (Served 4 years) Paratrooper 82nd Airborne Division and Logistics Team Work Experience: Tallahassee Police Dept: 2002-2023 D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Officer Burglary Investigator Property Crimes Investigator D.E.F.Y. (Drug Education for Youth) Mentor radKids Instructor Community Relations Officer Leon County Emergency Management Liaison Big Bend Crime Stoppers Laison Promoted to Sergeant: 2020 A.I. (Artificial Intelligence) Business Consultant Certified Life Coach Licensed Minister of the Gospel
Instructor | Coach Education: Florida A&M University: B.S. Degree Criminal Justice Florida A&M University Marching 100 Band Work Experience: Army Military Police (Anniston, Alabama) Tallahassee Police Dept: 1990-2020 Recruiter Parks and Recreation Truancy Officer Community Oriented Police Burglary Investigator Homicide Investigator Alpha Field Force (Riot Control Squad) Promoted to Sergeant 2017 Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated
Instructor | Coach Education: Florida State University: B.S. Degree Speech Communication Miami Dade College: A.S. Degree: Radio and Television Broadcast Technology Work Experience: Florida Department of Game and Fish 1yr Tallahassee Police Dept: 1980-2011 Uniform Patrol Division Crime Prevention Criminal Investigation Property Crimes Investigator T.A.C. Team (Tactical Apprehension Control) Hostage Negotiator Logistics Traffic/Motorcycle Unit Traffic Homicide Investigator Traffic Hit and Run Investigator Tallahassee Regional Airport Police Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated
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Dear Mr. Fountain
I hope this email finds you well.
I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for the invaluable work you are doing within the African-American community, particularly your efforts to empower our young men and women. I recently learned about your program and was deeply impressed by its comprehensive and engaging approach. The focus on financial literacy is particularly crucial, as it equips individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of modern finance. This is especially vital given the historical and ongoing systemic challenges faced by our Black community.
The information you've shared has been incredibly beneficial regarding safety, awareness and actionable steps to implement. I've already adapted some of your methods to help educate my son, and I'm confident that your program is a vital resource in preserving and promoting our history and culture in the face of attempts to diminish or distort it. I strongly believe that fostering financial literacy and understanding our shared history are essential components of building a stronger and more empowered community.
Thank you again for your dedication and for the positive impact you are having. I was particularly moved by the turnout at your recent event, a testament to the community's strong support for your mission. I commend you and your team for your tireless efforts.
Dear Rodney,
I hope this email finds you in good health and high spirits. I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for allowing me to attend your program, Going Beyond the Lights. It was truly an unforgettable experience that has left a profound impact on me.
The messages and learnings conveyed during the program are something that every youth should be exposed to. It was enlightening to see how you incorporated your life experiences to impart valuable insights that will undoubtedly shape the lives of many young individuals.
I am eager to explore further opportunities for collaboration with you and your team. Your program has opened up several avenues for us to work together, and I believe we can make a positive difference in the lives of many individuals.
Please let me know when it would be convenient to meet with you so we can discuss these opportunities in more detail.
Once again, thank you for the incredible opportunity, and I look forward to speaking with you soon!
Best regards,
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