Honoring 70 Years: The Emmett Till Commemoration at Mississippi Valley State University

August 28–30, 2025 | Mississippi Valley State University | Itta Bena, MS

This year marks the 70th anniversary of one of the most pivotal moments in American history—the kidnapping and brutal murder of Emmett Louis Till. At just 14 years old, Emmett’s life was taken in the Mississippi Delta in a heinous act of racial violence that would shake the nation to its core. His mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, made the courageous decision to “let the world see” by holding an open-casket funeral—forcing the country to confront the horror of racial injustice.

Her brave act ignited a fire within the Civil Rights Movement, fueling generations of activists, advocates, and truth-tellers.

A Living Memorial: The 70th Emmett Till Commemoration

From August 28 to 30, 2025, the Emmett Till Interpretive Center invites the public to join a weekend of powerful programming at Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, Mississippi. This gathering will honor Emmett’s life, reflect on the continued fight for racial justice, and recommit ourselves to a vision of truth, equity, and liberation.

Through panels, storytelling, art, remembrance, and intergenerational dialogue, the commemoration will uplift both Emmett’s legacy and the unwavering spirit of his mother.

Keeping the Legacy Alive: Livestream on Black With No Chaser TV

For those who cannot attend in person, the commemoration will be livestreamed on the Black With No Chaser TV YouTube channel. The livestream is produced by George Chuck Patterson, founder of Mississippi Black Pages and Chief of Creative and Design Officer at Black With No Chaser.

This digital broadcast ensures that Emmett’s story—and the call to justice it demands—reaches audiences around the globe. It's a reminder that the fight for equity and remembrance doesn’t end with an event. It lives in our voices, our work, and our communities.

Join Us in Remembrance and Action

The 70th Emmett Till Commemoration is not just a memorial—it’s a movement. As we remember Emmett Till and honor Mamie Till-Mobley’s legacy, we also recognize the work that remains. From racial equity to historical preservation, we each have a role to play in building a future that never forgets the past.

Whether you attend in person or watch online, we hope you join us in honoring 70 years of history, pain, resilience, and hope.