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How Mississippi and Emmett Till shaped the March on Washington

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. […]

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Emmett Till director speaks out against offensive Lil Wayne lyric

It’s been weeks since the backlash began over a vulgar lyric used by rap superstar Lil Wayne in one of his songs referencing murdered Chicago teen Emmett Till. And while many have spoken out against the Grammy-winning, multi-platinum artist, Wayne himself, whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., remains mum on the subject.

In fact, Wayne is said to be “resting comfortably” two days after suffering a seizure that sent him to a Los Angeles hospital this weekend and falsely triggered media reports that he was near death.

But many remain unnerved that Wayne, a 30-year-old black man, could be so callous when it comes to the still emotionally charged story of Emmett Till. […]