Rush calls for fresh probe of Emmett Till lynching

As many across the nation remain in shock and disbelief at the recent verdict in the death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, his case has become hauntingly reminiscent of another black teenager gunned down nearly 60 years ago, where his accusers also went forth free.

The murder of Emmett Till is just as relevant today as it was in 1955 when his death not only sparked an avalanche of public outrage and fear across the south. But it also gave courage and determination to the weary and downtrodden – now wiling to die for equal rights. […]

From Alcorn State University
MONEY – “I am Emmett Till and I stand for justice,” chanted 11 emotional high school students standing in the rain in front of what was once known as Bryant’s Grocery Store in Money, Mississippi, where a 14-year-old black youth was brutally killed by white murderers who escaped justice.

Pictured: Scholars reading the commemorative sign at the former Bryant’s Grocery Store site in Money, Mississippi. (Alcorn State photo)
The journey to the historic site in July was a part of the Alcorn State University Children Defense Fund Freedom School project for high school-aged students. They read the book “Getting Away with Murder: The True Story of the Emmett Till Case” and watched the PBS video documentary before traveling to the place where the astonishing story took place.
“I remember reading the book as a servant leader intern and being appalled at the fact that I was learning of this critical moment in American history for the first time in my life – and I was college student. None of my American history and African American history classes mentioned Till at all,” shared Gralon Johnson, special assistant to the president at Alcorn and co-executive director of the CDF Freedom School program. “So, when the decision was made for high school-aged students to participate in Alcorn’s Freedom School program, I realized that it was a perfect opportunity to expose and connect our scholars to Till’s story in a meaningful and lasting way.”
Till’s tortured and battered body was pulled from the Tallahatchie River on Aug. 28, 1955.
Johnson further said Level 4 scholars participating in… […]

On Friday, May 10, the Mississippi Freedom Trail honored Rev. George Lee with a marker in Belzoni. The event was at Green Grove M.B. Church at 603 Church Street in Belzoni. This is the 11th Mississippi Freedom Trail marker to be unveiled.

“The Mississippi Freedom Trail recognizes both the celebrated and lesser known heroes of the Civil Rights Movement,” said Malcolm White, director of the Mississippi Development Authority’s Tourism Division. “This marker helps to preserve Rev. Lee’s legacy and to educate Mississippians and visitors alike on his role in the fight for justice and equality.” […]