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About Us
The Official Website for the Documentary: GRAVE INJUSTICE
The Official Website for the Documentary: GRAVE INJUSTICE
The Official Website for the Documentary: GRAVE INJUSTICE
Veteran journalist Cheryl Wills has spent more than a decade lecturing around the world about her enslaved Great-Great-Great Grandfather Sandy Wills’ heroic and daring fight for freedom as a soldier during The Civil War [1863-1866]. In October 2016 – after an intense search for his grave - she discovered her unsung hero grandfather's final resting place is NOT in a military cemetery – the brave soldier is buried on the very plantation where he lived - in Haywood County, Tennessee (30 miles from Memphis). Remarkably, the plantation is frozen in time and owned by the same family that once owned Sandy's wife, Emma during the 19th century. In an historic meeting, Cheryl met the family and they gave her a tour of their vast property. The Emmy award winning talk show host is currently on a very personal mission to exhume his remains and have the honorable soldier reburied with his wife, Emma, in Memphis National Cemetery.
WHO WAS PRIVATE SANDY WILLS?
The Official Website for the Documentary: GRAVE INJUSTICE
The Official Website for the Documentary: GRAVE INJUSTICE
Sandy was born into slavery circa 1840 in Tipton County, Tennessee. When he was ten years old, he was sold to slave trader and plantation owner Edmond Willis Wills and transported to The Wills Plantation in Haywood County, Tennessee. As little Sandy grew up on the plantation, he bonded with five young enslaved boys: James Wills, Andy Wills, Mack Wills, Dick Wills and Richard Wills. They were all the "property" of Edmond Willis Wills.
After President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation during the height of The Civil War, Sandy and his unheralded 'band of brothers' ran away and joined The United States Colored Troops where they bravely served from 1863 - 1865.
Cheryl discovered her lost ancestors story in 2009 and has spent years searching for Sandy Wills final resting place. Alas, he was buried without honor. Cheryl is determined to right an historic wrong.
THE FILM
The Official Website for the Documentary: GRAVE INJUSTICE
THE FILM
Channeling the bravery of her long lost grandfather, Cheryl is documenting her return to the rural town in Haywood County, TN to give Pvt. Sandy Wills the respect that he so rightly deserves in death – which he never received in life. It’s also a powerful lesson for Americans to honor their heritage.
"He secured and defended my freedom before I was born, now it's my turn to defend and honor his legacy. And this I promise."
-- CHERYL WILLS
Archaeologists and researchers are involved in this emotional journey. The unmarked burial site for Cheryl's family has been identified. Cutting edge technology including Ground Penetrating Radar will be used to mark the graves and DNA will be extracted from demineralized bones. Sandy & Emma's remains will then be turned over the U.S. Military for a proper burial which Cheryl will attend with her family and friends.
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Film currently in Production
"... I own no property and have owned none since Sandy Wills died except one horse."
Emma Wills, Widow of Civil War Veteran Sandy Wills
Deposition for U.S. Military Pension, March 6, 1900