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In the early 70s, Matthews led efforts to remove the "Rebel" mascot and other [[Confederate]] symbols from the [[Escambia High School]] athletics department.
After a black motorist, [[Wendel Blackwell]], was killed at point-blank range by Sheriff's Deputy [[Doug Raines]] on [[December 22]], [[1974]], Matthews and others urged an investigation into the shooting. Sheriff [[Royal Untreiner]] refused to discipline the deputy, and Matthews led a number of protests at [[Escambia County Sheriff's]] headquarters. At [[Blackwell demonstrations|one such demonstration of the demonstrations]], on [[February 24]], [[1975]], a [[Race riotsheriff's deputies arrested nearly 50 people for unlawful assembly, 1975|riot]] erupted during which Matthews was arrested. including Matthews and Rev. [[B. J. Brooks]] , who were also charged with felony extortion and . They were convicted on [[June 10]]. Matthews was sentenced to five years' hard labor in state prison, but received clemency after sixty-three days.
After his release, Matthews was effectively blacklisted and unable to find gainful employment in the area. He left Pensacola in [[1977]].
