A Deep Dive into The Dark Secrets of Woodruff County by Kent Handy

In The Dark Secrets of Woodruff County, author Kent Handy delivers a powerful and heartbreaking account of his family's encounter with racial violence in the Deep South. This deeply personal narrative exposes the horrific events of 1984, when four of Handy’s siblings and his first cousin were brutally murdered in Augusta, Arkansas. What followed was not justice, but a disturbing cover-up orchestrated by local authorities—including police officers, pathologists, fire marshals, and the county coroner—allegedly under the influence of the Ku Klux Klan.

For 30 years, Handy refused to let his family’s story be buried. Despite facing systemic racism and obstruction from those in power, he persisted in his search for truth. In 2014, his relentless pursuit led to a breakthrough—several white residents of Woodruff County came forward and met with the FBI, providing testimonies that named those responsible for the cover-up. This pivotal moment was a testament to Handy’s perseverance and the power of never giving up in the face of adversity.

But The Dark Secrets of Woodruff County is more than a personal tragedy—it is a reflection of America’s long and painful history with racial injustice. Handy’s fight for accountability echoes today’s movements against institutionalized racism, police brutality, and racial violence. His story reminds us that justice is often delayed for marginalized communities, but the struggle to expose the truth must never cease.

Kent Handy’s life journey is as compelling as his book. Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1960, he lived in Augusta before returning to Little Rock to finish high school in 1981. After serving six years in the Arkansas National Guard, Handy relocated to Rochester, NY, where he built a successful career at Xerox. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish Authority Records in 2005, but his family’s unresolved tragedy ultimately called him back. He left the music industry to write this book and share the long fight for justice that defined his life.

The Dark Secrets of Woodruff County is a must-read for those who seek to understand the depths of racial injustice in America. It is a story of resilience, determination, and the unwavering belief that justice, no matter how long it takes, must prevail. Handy’s courageous account serves as both a historical record and a call to action, reminding us all that silence allows oppression to thrive—but the truth, when pursued relentlessly, can bring about change.

Join us in the journey towards justice and empowerment. Together, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate world for generations to come.