Justice for Emmett Till: We will not be silenced
By Duvalier Malone
Throughout history, certain events have directed, or even redirected, the course of our society. Historians often try to determine the focal point of past events for the next generation of humanity.
The kidnapping, torture and murder of Emmett Till were unarguably the largest focal points that changed the course of history within the last 100 years. This brutal, senseless act was the spark that lit the Civil Rights movement, which has shaped America into what it is today.
The fight for Civil Rights resulted in broad, societal change for African Americans, and even laid the groundwork for the fight today centered on civil rights for all minority groups in America. But the Civil Rights’ fight was uncivilized at times. It was cruel and merciless; and some would say it was barbaric.
After all, a fight is always two sided. While African Americans and our allies peacefully marched for freedom, justice and jobs, many were beaten and killed.
Our children were murdered.
Emmett Till was a victim. The three girls that were murdered in the Birmingham church bombing were victims.
These actions cast a spotlight on America, and the treatment of those who were considered lower class. The fight for Civil Rights forced America to look in the mirror, and change.
Today the fight continues – and our fight is for justice.
We seek justice for Emmett Till.
Carolyn Bryant Donham, the woman who claimed Emmett whistled at her and attacked her, has admitted that she lied.
Her lies tore the Till family apart. It’s time that her role in this brutal act is investigated.
For the past 50 plus years, the Till family have held in their hearts the truth of Emmett’s innocence. His mother Mamie Till-Mobley spoke out for years after the murder of her son, to try to send the message to the world that no matter what her son may have done, he did not deserve his horrible fate.
Mamie Till died in 2003. She never knew the truth about what happened to her son. We owe it to her, to Emmett, and to those men and women who history has rendered both faceless and nameless, to seek justice.
We owe it to the Till family.
Carolyn Bryant Donham didn’t come out before the cameras to take responsibility for her actions. She didn’t call the police to confess and tell the truth about Emmett. She didn’t reach out to the Till family to give them closure and help them heal from her cruel accusations.
She revealed the true story to an author, Timothy Tyson, who has since placed restrictions on the testimony she gave him. Tyson has placed her words under lock and key until the year 2036.
Even now in 2017, our society is refusing to give justice to Emmett Till. Where does it stop?
There are many who criticize the Till family’s right to seek justice. But the rule of law is the cornerstone of our democracy. If we throw away our obligation to seek justice, then where does that leave us?
The Till family have been silent for too long. This is why I undertook the effort to hold a rally for justice: A rally for Emmett Till.
No longer can we keep silent.
Congressman John Lewis, who himself is a Civil Rights’ icon, once spoke on his refusal to be silent. He said that his parents pleaded with him to leave things alone: that this is the way things are; and they told him, don’t make noise. But the congressman, who was then a young man, said that he had to find a way to make some noise for change.
This is what we must do now. This is what the Till family and all of their supporters must do: We have to get in the way, and make some noise. This is the only way to fight injustice.
To make noise, we must use our voices to speak up when we see injustices in our communities and to not be afraid to stand on the side of history and to do what is right. We must all use our voices and platforms to help us in the fight for justice.
Unfortunately, justice for Emmett Till has become a political issue; and we need to engage the people and garner political support for the Till family, whether it’s through the use of celebrity or any other tool of engagement.
This is not the time for us to tear one another down. This is the time for us to join with one another.
Justice for Emmett is not a Black issue. This fight for justice transcends race.
One of the speakers at the Justice for Emmett Till rally was Dr. Robert Luckett, the director of Jackson State University’s Margaret Walker Alexander Research Center. Dr. Luckett is a proud fighter for Emmett Till, and he has used his voice to speak out against the injustice that the Till family has received.
Take a look: Emmett Till Rally:
https://www.facebook.com/duvaliermaloneofficial/videos/712507462243963/
This is what we need. It will take us all—whether we are black, white or any other race—to win this fight for justice.
I’m asking you: Please support the Till family in their time of need. Now is not the time to let up.
I encourage you to write the Attorney General and the Department of Justice. Tell them that now is the time to reopen the investigation into the murder of Emmett Till.
The fact that Carolyn Bryant Donham has revealed more evidence is enough to warrant a new investigation.
This is the least we can do for the Till family. They have been through so much, and the time has come for them to receive an apology, and justice for Emmett.
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