Rome Commission Apologized for 1942 Assault of Roland Hayes
The city officially addressed the historic arrest and assault of the performer and his wife.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in People
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The Rome City Commission has issued an official apology for the 1942 arrest and assault of Roland Hayes. Mayor Jim Bojo read the statement on behalf of the city during a recent meeting.
Why it matters
The apology acknowledges the harm inflicted upon the Hayes family over eight decades ago. This act follows a formal request by Russell McClanahan to address the historical wrongdoing.
The incident occurred 84 years ago in 1942. This formal apology was delivered after Russell McClanahan initiated the request during an August 2026 committee meeting.
The players
Roland Hayes
He was a renowned performer who was arrested and assaulted in a 1942 incident.
Jim Bojo
He is the Mayor of Rome who read the official apology on behalf of the City Commission.
Russell McClanahan
He is a local advocate who requested that the city formally acknowledge the 1942 incident.
Rome City Commission
This is the local governing body that issued the official statement apologizing for the past event.
The details
Roland Hayes and his wife were arrested following a confrontation at a shoe store in Rome. Mayor Jim Bojo read the apology during a commission meeting to formally recognize the injustice done to the family.
Timeline
The initial arrest and assault of Roland Hayes occurred in 1942.
Russell McClanahan requested the city acknowledgment in August 2026.
Mayor Jim Bojo read the official apology on September 28, 2026.
Market Landscape
This apology follows a pattern of local governments issuing formal statements to reconcile with historical instances of discrimination. The act positions the city to address long-standing local community grievances regarding past conduct.
This historical recognition marks a shift in how the city manages its public record and past institutional actions. Residents may see this as a step toward addressing long-held community concerns regarding local justice.
The takeaway
The apology provides a sense of closure for the history involving the Hayes family and the city. It serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing past societal wrongs through official, transparent recognition.
Further reading
For more on figures and community leaders involved in local affairs, visit the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Rebel (WRBF FM).
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