Blanket of Silence: Ruby McCollum

In August of 1952, 43-year-old Ruby McCollum, a black woman, was two months pregnant. The father was a 48-year-old white politician named Dr. Clifford Leroy Adams, Jr. For seven years, Dr. Adams had manipulated, bullied, and raped Ruby. He forced her to bear one of his children already, and this unborn child would be the second. On Sunday, August 3rd, Ruby entered Dr. Adams’ medical practice for help with an ailing shoulder. But when Dr. Adams tried to force himself on Ruby once more, she snapped. And the State of Florida believed she should face the electric chair for it.

Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/ruby-mccollum

Hosted and produced by Erica Kelley
Researched and written by Andrea Marshbank
Additional writing by Erica Kelley
Original Graphic Art by Coley Horner
Original Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma Radio
Edited & Mixed by Brandon Schexnayder of Southern Gothic & Erica Kelley
Case requested by Rachel, Tracy, and Danita


This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp online therapy. Give online therapy a try at BetterHelp.com/southern and get on your way to being your best self.Customize the US’s best home security system for your home by going to SimpliSafe.com/southernfried. There’s no safe like SimpliSafe.It’s the 5 year anniversary of the podcast Morbid! Check out their special anniversary series wherever you get podcasts, or early and ad free on Amazon Music or the Wondery app.