President Biden designates Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument, the fourth of his presidency
The Tallahatchie County Courthouse in Sumner, Mississippi.
NPCA
Monument reaffirms the Biden Administration's commitment to upholding civil rights
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In a historic move, President Biden announced today the designation of the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument, marking the fourth monument he has designated during his presidency. The designation pays homage to the unforgettable legacy of Emmett Till and his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, and reinforces the importance of upholding civil rights and confronting racial injustice in America.
Emmett Till, a 14-year-old African American boy, was brutally murdered in 1955 in a racially motivated hate crime. His tragic death and the subsequent public outcry became a turning point in the civil rights movement. Mamie Till-Mobley, his mother, played a pivotal role in seeking justice for her son and raising awareness about racial violence and injustice.
The Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument will commemorate their lives and serve as a reminder of the ongoing fight for equality and civil rights. The monument sites include the Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ in Chicago where Till’s open-casket took place, Graball Landing where Till’s body was recovered from the Tallahatchie River, and the Tallahatchie County Second District Courthouse where Till’s murderers were acquitted by an all-white jury in Mississippi.
“The designation of the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument serves as a reaffirmation of President Biden's commitment to upholding civil rights and preserving the legacies of those who have fought for racial justice. It stands as a testament to the power of individuals to bring about change and the importance of remembering the past as we strive for a better future. The Antiquities Act is a powerful tool to preserve the many stories that shape this country, and today we’re honoring and reflecting on the unforgettable advocacy and legacy of the Till family,” said Jamie Williams, President of The Wilderness Society.
This latest designation adds to President Biden's commitment to preserving historic sites and promoting social justice. In March 2022 Biden signed the Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act into law which makes lynching a federal hate crime.
The Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument will be managed by the National Park Service, ensuring its preservation and accessibility to the public. As visitors learn about the courageous stories of Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley, it is hoped they will be inspired to take action toward a more inclusive and equitable society.
Contact:
Gaby Diaz, Communications Manager, The Wilderness Society
gaby_diaz@tws.org / 720.464.1941
