Page "Deacons for Defense and Justice" Paragraph 8

Earnest “ Chilly Willy ” Thomas was born in Jonesboro, Louisiana, on November 20, 1935, in a time of extreme segregation.

He believed that political reforms could be secured by force rather than moral appeal.

The CORE had a freedom house in Jonesboro that became the target of the Klan.

The practice referred to as “ nigger knocking ” was a time-honored tradition among whites in the rural South.

Because of repeated attacks on the Freedom House, the Black community responded.

Earnest Thomas was one of the first volunteers to guard the house.

According to Lance Hill, “ Thomas was eager to work with CORE, but he had reservations about the nonviolent terms imposed by the young activists .” Thomas, who had military training, quickly emerged as the leader of this budding defense organization that would guard the Jonesboro community in the day with their guns concealed and carried their guns openly during the cover of night to discourage any Klan activity.