Till

In August 1955, Emmett Till, a 14-year-old boy, lived with his mother, Mamie Till, at their home in Chicago, Illinois. Mamie instilled in Emmett the importance of being cautious around white individuals, foreshadowing the racial tensions that lay ahead.

Before Emmett leaves to visit relatives in Money, Mississippi, Mamie provides him with advice on how to navigate a racially charged environment. This trip was intended to be a joyous visit filled with family bonding.

Upon arrival in Mississippi, Emmett and his cousin, Wheeler Parker, meet with Mamie's uncle, Mose 'Preacher' Wright, at the train station. The family starts their visit with hopes of a carefree summer.

Emmett and his cousins purchase candy at Bryant's Grocery and Meat Market. During this encounter, Emmett, feeling bold, compliments Carolyn Bryant and shows her a photograph, which leads to a fateful interaction.

Outside the store, Emmett whistles at Carolyn Bryant, an act perceived as provocative. This moment triggers a violent chain of events as Carolyn, outraged, retrieves a shotgun.

In the early hours of August 28, Carolyn's husband Roy and his half-brother John William Milam break into the Wright household. They drag Emmett from bed, ignore offers of money, and proceed to kidnap him at gunpoint.

Emmett is brutally beaten, shot, and then disposed of in the Tallahatchie River. This horrific act marks a turning point in the civil rights movement, igniting outrage and demands for justice.

Mamie Till learns about her son's kidnapping back in Chicago, leading to a sense of impending dread. Her cousin Rayfield Mooty assists her in seeking help from the NAACP.

The police locate Till's corpse in the river, a discovery that shocks Mamie to her core. Upon receiving the news, she collapses, overwhelmed by the tragic reality of her son's fate.

Mamie decides on an open casket funeral to show the world the brutality of her son's murder. This decision brings national attention to the racial violence inflicted on African Americans.

Milam and Bryant stand trial for Emmett's murder. Mamie, now an activist, participates in the trial, aiming to seek justice not just for her son, but for all victims of racial violence.

During the trial, multiple witnesses provide evidence about the events surrounding Emmett's death. This includes critical testimony from Willie Reed, who saw parts of the horrific attack.

After deliberation, the all-white jury acquits Milam and Bryant, highlighting the deep-seated racism in the justice system. Mamie leaves the courtroom, filled with despair at the injustice.

Following the trial, Mamie addresses an NAACP rally in Harlem, criticizing the criminal justice system and calling for change. Her courage galvanizes support for civil rights reforms across the nation.

In the aftermath, Mamie's activism sparks movements for change, leading to the Civil Rights Act of 1957. Her dedication to justice and advocacy for children's education becomes a cornerstone of her legacy.