Hope...Thanks... and Happy Holidays!

     Black Friday...Small Business Saturday...and Cyber Monday.   The holiday season is upon us and we're all looking for ways to show our love and appreciation, whether it's part of our faith celebration  or the year-end send off for a club or organization.

      For weeks now, it's been encouraging to see many gifting by sharing "The Girl in the Yellow Scarf."  I think I know why.   "The Girl in the Yellow Scarf," is not just the story of Carol Jenkins' death, or the life of the 7-year old little girl who witnessed the unthinkable, but through it all, it's a story of hope.   Hope for unity, hope for devastating cycles in families to be broken and hope that the places where we live can emerge better than the past.

     I saw that hope in the eyes of dozens of book lovers who stopped by to chat and to check out "The Girl in the Yellow Scarf,"at the Indiana Historical Society's Annual Holiday Author Fair on December 3rd.  One woman told me "I remember when it happened.  This story needs to be told!"  Another gentlemen offered thanks;  His focus:  justice and the hope of peace for families impacted by crime.  Just as memorable:  the young couple that grabbed an arm full of books, counting off the names of people who could benefit from learning about Indiana history.

     The holiday book fair was a gift unto itself, given to 80-authors from across the state.
It was a chance for all of our work to shine, and for each to celebrate the other.  (I certainly purchased featured titles to add to my family's collection.)

     This give and take is what makes this time of year so special.  Weeks prior to the author fair, I accepted a wonderful invitation from a book club at a local church.  These women have been reading together for years.  Their last read for 2012 was "The Girl in the Yellow Scarf."   The discussion in the party room of a north side restaurant was electric!   Some of these women lived through the civil rights struggle and had a greater appreciation for  the story.  They were in essence living examples of hope from the past!   They had overcome discrimination in their own lifetimes and were now using their careers in education and ministry to give back.

     That night, I walked away proud, but not about anything I had done.  I was proud of these African American women, newfound role models who have been out there making a difference everyday.
They were the women who smoothed the path for me and countless others.  Yet on this night they sat  listening intently to what I had to share, each of them draped in a beautiful yellow scarf.   What a gift!

    Thank you and many blessings for the Holidays!

  

    

Arm in arm with Legendary Reporters

I remember my dad, a hardworking laborer, coming home after a long days work as a mechanic at International Harvest (Navistar) and tuning into some hearings on  t.v.   At first glance it seemed kind of boring.   A bunch of men in business suits talking about secret recordings and Former President Nixon.   I didn't really know what it meant, I was just a little girl, but it was clear it was important to the adults in my life.

The significance of Watergate didn't really sink in for me until government class in high school.  Not just the crime of what had taken place, but the role of two newspaper reporters, who began following the trail of a single tip and ultimately unraveled a case that brought down a President and his administration.

Fast forward.  Now 40-years after that reporting, I found myself sitting immersed, mesmerized and deeply inspired as I listened to Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein talk about the investigation that  made their names legendary.   As I took it in, my heart smiled inside.  They were talking my language!   Digging into records, following a trail, and trying to factually report the twist and turns.

My heart pounded as they recounted the grey days of doubt, the efforts to side-track and stonewall their reporting efforts, and the "head against the wall" moments when scared witnesses refused to talk.   I could relate.  On a much smaller scale, I experienced similar feelings trying to get to the truth of what happened to Carol Jenkins.  No I wasn't going up against the Commander in Chief of a nation, but I was dealing with people who had the power to investigate me, even arrest me if I broke the law.   Right then and there, I felt the connection with these men as investigative reporters trying to uncover what was hidden.

Equally fascinating was the story behind the story, focused on their incredible publisher, a woman, named Katherine Graham.  They personally talked about her strength in the face of battle.  She was nothing short of heroic!   She stood steadfast at a time when women's voices were just beginning to be heard.

It was an incredible night of sharing by Woodward and Bernstein.  I don't even know how long they talked, I only know I wanted more.   Their work is what I believe our forefathers wanted to ensure transparency and truth.

As I departed the convention center, inspired like a new student of investigative reporting, I couldn't believe who was right there within my reach, and my grasp.  Woodward and Bernstein were making their exit too.   I told them I was an investigative reporter and wanted to snap a quick picture of them.   Within seconds, to my delight, we were all locking arms, as the smile in my heart now beamed across my face.  Here I was, 40-years after the fact, arm in arm with the duo that captivated my dad's attention and now mine!

What a moment...what a responsibility I feel as their words were not lost on me.  I'm proud of
"The Girl in the Yellow Scarf," it also reminds me, to follow the trail and report the facts, whatever they might be.  (Check out the photo at "The Girl in the Yellow Scarf" facebook page)

Indiana University Themester 2012

Thought-provoking.  It's the best way to describe the evening inside the beautiful Hutton Honors College at Indiana University, Bloomington for Themester 2012!   The topic:  "Good Behavior-Bad Behavior:  Molecules to Morality."

Warmth filled the room, from both the relaxing fire in the fireplace and the conversations fueled by "The Girl in the Yellow Scarf."   As I spoke to the diverse crowd of students, staff, and Bloomington area residents, I felt the connection between a group of people who dared to explore the dynamics of racism, the culture of small communities and the unwritten rules of conduct among families.

It was striking to be in such a rich environment designed to foster knowledge, growth and culture and yet realize that just 30-minutes from where we sat a community still struggles to emerge from a tarnished reputation of bigotry.

We talked about the 7-year old child who witnessed Carol Jenkins' brutal murder, and the four letter word, "F-E-A-R" that kept an ugly secret locked away for too many years.

For more than 90-minutes we bantered back and forth, and afterwards more private opportunities to share about everything from my role as a reporter working on the case, to the dueling roles of the media and law enforcement.

Most impressive was the emotional reaction of the students.  Young people with hearts trying to understand behaviors that were once acceptable norms, while cultivating their own moral standards and paths to the future.

Reading the book is certainly one thing, but examining the underlying steps to morality is a valuable lesson for any student of life.

For more on the IU visit:
http://www.idsnews.com/news/story.aspx?id=89166

A Salute to Carol's Hometown

     The leaves are changing colors and the slight chill in the air signal a very special time in Indiana.
Autumn is here and with it memories of a young woman who was remembered in part because of the bright yellow scarf she wore the night of her fateful encounter with darkness.

      On these beautiful fall days, I choose to remember Carol for her vibrant spirit and the hope that her legacy can illuminate in us all.   I've never been reminded so much of this, as the Saturday afternoon I spent in Rushville, Indiana... Carol Jenkins' hometown.

      Several of the town's forward thinking businessmen and women extended a kind invitation for me to visit Rushville for a book signing for "The Girl in the Yellow Scarf."   What transpired was awesome!

      Our book team was met with amazing warmth and a perfect day to talk about Rushville, Carol and the book that many Rushville residents say they're glad has been written.  For many it filled in missing gaps on what happened back in 1968 and beyond.  I learned a few things too!   Someone shared that no news articles had ever been written in Rushville about Carol, her death or the 33-year old murder mystery.  Most of what residents say they knew was based on information from outside of their community.   It was truly my pleasure to sign books and to talk to Carol's former high school classmates about their times with her.

     We told stories, took pictures and shared smiles for hours.  What delighted my heart most was to see how the community embraced  Carol's father, Paul Davis.  They were there to support him as much as anything, and to me that speaks of real community!   It was a day that he could bask in knowing his town would remember his daughter, and that they cared enough to support a work in her honor.  At the same time, they would learn more about another daughter, one who shed light on a case that had baffled so many.  

     It was also fun to talk with David Willkie..Wendell Willkie's grandson.  He too stopped by to support us, and shared about working in New York at 60-Minutes when the 2002 arrest was made in the Carol Jenkins Murder Case.  Here he was in our nation's largest city reading on the front page of  the New York Times about the case that was unfolding back in his home state of Indiana!   It was fascinating to hear his version of this big news.   It gave me such a different perspective.

     Thank you Rushville for a remarkable day.   It was a great stop on our journey.  We're heading now to Indiana University in Bloomington for "Themester 2012 to talk about the molecules to morality!

    

College Campus Tour

It's back to the classroom, as "The Girl in the Yellow Scarf" heads out to Indiana college campuses this fall!   The first stop was my alma mater, Ball State University.   What a special time we had in the David Letterman Building.   I met excited telecommunications, journalism and public relations students, who were wide-eyed and ready to step into an industry that is rapidly changing everyday.

To say that the students energized me is an understatement.  We talked about the power and the responsibility of our written words and broadcasts.   That's when I was able to share about the impact of the Carol Jenkins murder investigation and the passion that fueled me to pen "The Girl in the Yellow Scarf!"

I remembered being those students, dreaming about working in local news and telling powerful stories. I never dreamed though that I would be able to see something as dramatic as a 33-year old murder mystery solved, in part, because my station dared to dig a little deeper into the investigation.

It's been decades since I last sat in a classroom as a college student at Ball State.  But I can honestly say I learn something new every single day, as I continue to work at my craft, and take on the role as a published author.  My beginnings are humble, but now as I look back, I treasure a rich experience at a university that taught me above all things to climb over the obstacles.

I told the students about Dr. Darrell Wible.  My telecommunications law professor who used to drill me in class to see if I was prepared.  I didn't like it back then, but he's someone I will never forget. (He's also got a big fan in David Letterman!)  I appreciate Dr. Wible, because he wanted to draw out the best in me from the very beginning.  And now even in his 80's (I'm guessing)  he's still right there sending encouragement my way.   The other day I got a big box in the mail.  It was two of his published books.  In one of them "The Letterman Gang" he mentions receiving a letter of thanks from me after I landed my first job.   He had no idea I had already purchased a copy from the BSU library.   But it was the thought that counted, especially since he is recovering from a stroke.

Still he wrote:  "A book?  A real achievement.  Wonderful -- The Girl in the Yellow Scarf."

Thanks Dr. Wible.  Thanks Ball State University.  And thanks to the students who made the kick-off to my college book tour so special!!  Next...stay tuned.

Let's Talk!   The first book club to feature "The Girl in the Yellow Scarf" was amazing!  A group of diverse women gathered in a Carmel, Indiana neighborhood.  They shared their insights into the 1968 murder mystery, that took the life of Carol Jenkins and nearly destroyed the life of a child witness, who was finally able to divulge the horrible secret.

We talked about the City of Martinsville, and the reputation that preceded the 1968 killing.  At least one of the book club members was from the Bloomington area.  Her comments added another layer of experience to the discussion.  She herself had lived through other public events that helped to shape the image of Martinsville.

Nearly everyone had an opinion about the killer, his schemes and the unfathomable accounts detailing his behavior.  I even had some new records to share that recently turned up by surprise.  All of it shedding light into the makeup of a man void of compassion.

And then there was the daughter, a young girl betrayed of her innocence.  Despite what she's been through, she's now able to forgive and speak well of some of the adults in her life that should have done more to protect her.

We talked for hours..   Each woman there representing something in her own right.  Mothers, wives, professionals,  and volunteers.  I'm so proud that we could gather and just simply talk.  I'm grateful for each one and most of all that we could unite in a couple of thoughts:

"No woman should lose her life because of racism" and "No child should ever be subjected to callous inhumane behavior."

The conversations must continue.

I don't know where it started or why it moves me so much, but I have always wanted people who have been wronged to be made whole again.  That's the earliest form of justice I remember as I think back over my path in life.   It's what sparked my interest in Investigative Journalism.   Even now when people tell me about situations that are clearly unfair or just plain wrong, my mind starts wondering about how to fix it.   It's how I felt when I first met Carol Jenkins step-father Paul Davis.   For 30-years he had searched for answers in his daughter's murder and no one could tell him much of anything.
Once I understood the injustice he and his family had endured, I was there.  I wanted to use my role to help do something.   And although I worked hard and hoped for the best, I had no idea what would unfold.

A few weeks ago, I met a man who has one of the biggest hearts for social justice:  Mr. Harry Belafonte!    At 85-years old he was still a beautiful man -- both his exterior good looks and his heart for humanity.  As I spoke to him about gun violence that day and listened to the eloquent statements rolling off his lips, I felt emotion well up inside.   I could feel the pleading in his voice.  He wanted anyone who would listen to do something -- to stop the violence, to say no to injustice, to commit to building hope around the world.   As I moved back to allow other reporters to have a chance to speak to this incredible person, I thought what have I done, what can I give?  At that moment I realized I had a couple of copies of "The Girl in the Yellow Scarf" in my bag.   At once I grabbed one and wrote the following:   "Harry B.  Thanks for your gifts to humanity!   I'm trying to do my part."  I quietly approached his wife and asked if she would give it to him later.   She said yes and tucked it in to her bag.  I don't know if he has had a chance to read it, or if he ever will.  But in that small exchange,
I felt connected to a greater purpose.   One that calls us all to grow where we're planted and to make the most of the opportunities that we have to impact for good, the lives around us.   No, I'm no where near Harry Belafonte when it comes to social justice.   But I hope "The Girl in the Yellow Scarf" is a step forward in understanding the impact on the lives of those hurt and haunted by crime and injustice.

Freedom!   As we celebrate our country's birthday on July 4th, we are reminded that our rights to religious and personal freedoms came with a cost.   In the 1960's African Americans also fought for equality and opportunity, many of which I enjoy this very day.   

This week I celebrate all of those who gave of themselves to bring about change and to make our world a better place.   I also celebrate the life and legacy of Carol Jenkins, a 21-year old young black woman who wanted to offer her talents to teaching.   Unfortunately, Carol never got that chance because of ignorance and hatred.   Carol is a symbol of the beautiful lives lost to a societal problem that we -- in this day and age -- can work to fix.  In fact, I applaud those in Martinsville, Indiana who are working to foster diversity in their community, decades after Carol's tragic death in their town.

And now as "The Girl in the Yellow Scarf..." becomes the launch point for discussions in book clubs, and community organizations across the State and beyond, my sincerest hope is that we will identify ways to come together for justice, truth and love where we live.  

There will always be those who try to detract from the message at heart.  They can't see beyond their own shallow viewpoints, which are often related to style or other insignificant criticisms, in order to get to what really matters.   We can only pray.. pray that the work that needs to move forward and the voices of those willing to take the challenge, will speak louder, sweeter and more direct to the masses that desire even greater change.

In the coming weeks, we will offer discussion points for "The Girl in the Yellow Scarf" to help facilitate book clubs already looking to delve into this Indiana case with issues of abuse and domestic violence hidden in its shadows.

Amos Talks With TV Journalist Sandra Chapman About Her Book About Notorious Hate Crime, Carol Jenkins 1968 Murder in Martinsville | AM 1310: The Light

Amos Talks With TV Journalist Sandra Chapman About Her Book About Notorious Hate Crime, Carol Jenkins 1968 Murder in Martinsville | AM 1310: The Light

It's thrilling to see "The Girl in the Yellow Scarf..." circulating across the state!  What's more exciting is hearing back from those who have read the book.   I got a call from one of the investigators on the case.  You always wonder what the actual people that your write about, who lived this case for years will think of your work.   Well I got my answer.  The investigator said he enjoyed the read and thought it was great.  He also learned some things he didn't know!   Humility...and genuine desire to see these cases solved.  He was so sweet, he actually asked me "Do you want another one?"   I paused for a second.  Did he mean another book?  No, no, he was talking about another cold case he wishes he could have solved!  

"The Girl in the Yellow Scarf.." is now available on the shelves of two bookstore locations!!!  So if you stop by one of these new locations..ask for it by name!

Barnes & Noble at Clearwater Crossing

3748 E. 82nd Street, Indianapolis

or

Black Dog Books in the Village of downtown Zionsville

115 S. Main Street

And for your convenience, you can still order through Prince Media Group on Amazon.com.