Chicago Honors Emmett Till on Eve of His 82nd Birthday

Emmett Till's 82nd birthday celebrated with events and art installation.

People gathered at the Emmett & Mamie Till-Mobley House Museum, Garden & Theatre in Woodlawn to commemorate what would have been Emmett Till's 82nd birthday. The legacy of Till, a young teen who was tragically murdered, continues to resonate today. Naomi Davis, founder and CEO of Blacks in Green, reflected on the triumph that has emerged from the tragedy. The event featured line dancing, live entertainment, and delicious food, as attendees celebrated Till's life and the impact he had on the Civil Rights movement.

Till, who was born in Chicago, was kidnapped and lynched at the age of 14 after allegedly offending a white woman while visiting family in Mississippi. His untimely death sparked a powerful movement for racial equality. Till's life is still remembered and revered today as a symbol of triumph in Black America. Mike Small, a close friend of Mamie Till-Mobley, Till's mother, emphasized the importance of honoring their legacy and giving them the recognition they deserve.

Attendee Raquel Bradford recognized the significance of teaching her son about the history and stories of African-American culture. The celebration also included the unveiling of a new art installation by renowned artist Germane Barnes. Additionally, there are plans for exterior renovations at the Till House Museum to transform it into a cultural heritage destination. Barnes highlighted the importance of public engagement with the installation, as a way to prevent history from repeating itself.

Nuri Madina, director of Sustainable Square Mile, emphasized the choice we have in how we carry forward the grievances and trauma of Till's murder. He encouraged redefining it as something that inspires us to create a better future. In line with honoring Till's legacy, President Joe Biden is set to sign a proclamation preserving landmarks in Illinois and Mississippi tied to Till. The Roberts Temple Church in Bronzeville, where Till's funeral was held in 1955, is slated to become a designated national monument. Tuesday, July 25, marks Till's actual birthday, adding significance to the preservation efforts.