Rising Stars: Meet John Steele

Today we’d like to introduce you to John Steele.

John, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin? 
My name is John Cornelius Steele, Jr I was born in Neshoba County, Mississippi. In the town of Philadelphia, Ms. Mother Mable J. Steele, a schoolteacher, attended Rust College. My Father, Cornelius Steele, was a great farmer. They bought land in Forrestdale area. My family took part in the Civil Rights Movement with James Chaney Michael Schwerner; we met Andy Goodman for the first time and the last time on June 21, 1964. I believe in Justice, but I learned in 1991 that no matter how innocent you are, you can be railroaded into the prison system. After being incarcerated myself upon my release I was elected to be Chairman of the Chaney, Goodman, and Schwerner Memorial Service at the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In 1998, we focused on the fact that there had not been any justice in the murders of Chaney, Goodman, and Schwerner. I was falsely accused on several occasions and finally ended up being falsely imprisoned, served time in full, and still had to be on probation for 5 years. I had been ran off the road on many occasions, I was then instructed by the National Lawyers Guide to leave the state of Mississippi. I have many death threats about my continuous push for Justice, I moved to California but continue my push for Justice coming back year after year. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Rexdale Henry was said to have been found unresponsive in the Neshoba County jail in Philadelphia, Mississippi. The family was told that he died of natural causes on July 14, 2015. The family wanted an autopsy the day of his funeral. The day that Mr. Henry was returned for burial, on July 25, 2015, the Sheriff’s Department announced the arrest of Justyn Schlegel. At the trial, the assistant D.A. stated that on the film he saw Justyn chop, chop, and kick Rexdale Henry, the D.A. stated, by state witness that the video system had been replaced, so that missing video couldn’t be retired. Justyn’s jury issued a verdict that was contrary to the evidence, which ended up being a sentence of 40 years plus for 2nd-degree murder. The truth after investigating this case Justyn shouldn’t have been jail. An investigator, a professional videographer, and two pathologists have findings that should have cleared Justyn. I am examining the case of a seventeen-month-old baby’s death, who was Justyn’s cousin. His name was Acen Blaze Schlegel, January 14, 2023. I help with the Scott sister’s release from prison. I have been trying to get freedom and justice for those that are wrongfully convicted, and answers for those who have love ones die in Police Custody without answers of the cause of death I don’t believe in leaving innocent people behind! I learned that no matter how young or old you are people will kill you! 

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you, and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Made me realize that you have to keep busy trying to help people so if you die, you want have any regrets. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mscivilrightsmartyrs.org