The family of Emmett Till has commemorated the 70th anniversary of his lynching by re-creating his historic train journey from Chicago to Mississippi. The event highlights the ongoing struggle against racism and pays tribute to a young boy whose death played a pivotal role in igniting the Civil Rights Movement.
The family departed from Chicago’s Union Station on the night of March 14, 2025, and arrived in Greenwood, Mississippi, on the morning of March 15, marking the anniversary of Till’s murder. The journey mirrors the one taken by the 14-year-old when he traveled to visit relatives in the South shortly before his tragic death. This re-enactment was organized by the Emmett Till Interpretive Center and the National Parks Conservation Association.
Among the passengers were Rev. Wheeler Parker Jr., Till’s cousin and the last living eyewitness to his kidnapping; his wife, Dr. Marvel Parker; and Juliet Louis, the widow of sharecropper Willie Reed, who reported Till’s death and testified during the murder trial. Rev. Parker reflected on the journey, stating, “We’re not here to stir up animosity or hate, but to remind people of how far we’ve come and how much progress we’ve made.”
In 1955, Till was lynched in Mississippi after being accused of offending Carolyn Bryant Donham, who claimed he had made advances toward her. Despite witness accounts suggesting he merely whistled at her, Till was brutally murdered by Roy Bryant and J.W. Milam, her husband and brother-in-law. An all-white jury acquitted the men, who later admitted to the killing in a magazine interview. Till’s case has continued to draw attention to the systemic racism and injustices within the U.S. legal system.
In recent years, the conversation surrounding Till’s legacy has become increasingly urgent, particularly as some states enact laws restricting discussions of racism in educational settings. Additionally, former President Donald Trump ordered the restoration of memorials to Confederate figures, igniting debates about race in the public discourse.
The Emmett Till Interpretive Center is hosting a series of events from March 15 to March 17 at Mississippi Valley State University and the site of Till’s lynching in Drew, Mississippi. Activities include a theatrical performance, panel discussions, a memorial service, and a wreath-laying ceremony. The Chicago History Museum is also showcasing an exhibit titled “Injustice: The Trial for the Murder of Emmett Till.”
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson emphasized the importance of remembering Till’s story, stating, “We will continue to use this horrific tragedy…Emmett Till’s murder, as a constant reminder of how we have to continue to fight for justice.” He acknowledged the legacy of those who fought for civil rights, saying he stands “on the shoulders of those incredible ancestors and giants.”
In March 2022, President Joe Biden signed the Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act into law, designating lynching as a federal hate crime for the first time in U.S. history. This legislation followed over 200 unsuccessful attempts to enact federal anti-lynching laws, highlighting the complexity of addressing historical injustices.
As the Till family re-creates this poignant journey, they continue to inspire dialogue about the need for racial equality and justice in America. The legacy of Emmett Till remains a critical reminder of the ongoing fight against racism and the importance of acknowledging past atrocities to foster a more equitable future.
