The Life, Faith, and Death of Helen Clevenger, 1917-1936

Abstract: This study explores the life, faith, and tragic death of Helen Clevenger, an 18-year-old member of the Bahá’í Faith, who was murdered in Asheville, North Carolina, the night of July 15-16, 1936. The investigation, trial, and execution of Martin Moore, an African American man wrongfully convicted, underscore the racial injustices of the era. Sensationalized media coverage overshadowed Clevenger’s life and faith, perpetuating racial stereotypes. Modern coverage, while partially redressing these issues, still often portrays her merely as a victim and misrepresents the Bahá’í Faith. This paper contrasts these portrayals with Clevenger’s life in a community advocating interracial unity, aiming to provide a comprehensive narrative of her life and begin to explore the broader implications of her life and death on racial and religious discourse.