This site is dedicated to a greater understanding of the murder of Emmett Till and to aid scholars and students in learning and discussing all aspects of the case. Till's abduction and murder in Mississippi in August 1955, and the subsequent acquittal of his killers the following month, became not only a national story, but also put southern racism into the international spotlight. These events became a major force in the advancement of the Civil Rights Movement. Some would even say they were the catalyst.

Although the world watched the case unfold, it has now been over fifty-seven years since Emmett Till was lynched. Unfortunately, I have discovered as I speak about the case, that far too many people have either forgotten it or have never heard of it. This unfamiliarity exists even in college classrooms. The aim of this site is to provide a resource containing the most thorough, accurate, and up-to-date information that others will find helpful in their learning, writing, and teaching.

The site contains a detailed case overview (which I will be finishing very soon!), reprints of articles, original interviews and essays, links for further information, and reviews of significant published works. It will be updated regularly, and now contains documents released by the FBI that were created or discovered during their 2004-2006 investigation.

The tragic murder of Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Florida, on February 26, 2012, has certainly caused reflection in us all, and has sadly reminded us that we have much to learn, even today, from those days in 1955. Trayvon has been called "this generation's Emmett Till" in newspaper and internet stories. Ironically, I arrived in Florida for the first time, ever, the night Trayvon was killed, because I was to speak on the Till case the following morning in Tallahassee.

Note: More book reviews and updated information on the Till case to come shortly.

 

This webpage was started in October 2004 and is constantly being updated with new content and information—please check back often! The site layout and design will also improve as we dedicate more time to the site.

Copyright 2005 Emmetttillmurder.com

Emmett Till

 

 

 

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