Yesterday, with friends from Memphis’ Social Media Expedition, I participated in a road trip to visit the sites related to the murder of Emmett Till in 1955. Till’s death and the subsequent acquittal of his killers was a monumental event in the then young civil rights movement.
The Emmett Till Memorial Commission of Tallahatchie County, MS has put together a very comprehensive account of the murder, the trial and their impact on America’s history, as well as placing informative historic markers, and charting a driving tour. If you are not familiar with the story, the links above are a must read.
The Bryant store in Money, Mississippi, where the 14 year old Till allegedly whistled at or made flirtatious remarks to a white woman.

The Till murderers used a fan similar to this from the Glendora Gin, Glendora, MS, to weight Till’s body before it was thrown in the Tallahatchie River.

The trial at the Tallahatchie County Courthouse in Sumner, MS led to speedy acquittal of the accused.

Thanks to Dave and Maurrean Barger, Blake Palmer and and Bethany Galloway for letting me tag along. If you are a history buff, this is an easy day trip from Memphis. If you are also a Blues buff, the route also covers many blues sites that have been memorialized in story and song.