| Author |
Message |
    
Mahoganyanais
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Mahoganyanais
Post Number: 288
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: 
Votes: 3 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 04, 2005 - 12:08 pm: | 
|
CHICAGO - Nearly 50 years after 14-year-old Emmett Till's murder shocked a nation and galvanized the civil rights movement, his body will be exhumed as federal authorities attempt to determine who killed him, the FBI said Wednesday.
Till's body, buried in a cemetery in the Chicago suburb of Alsip, will be exhumed within the next few weeks so the Cook County Medical Examiner's office can conduct an autopsy, said Deborah Madden, spokeswoman for the FBI's office in Jackson, Miss.
The black youth, who was raised in Chicago, was abducted from his uncle's home in the tiny Mississippi Delta community of Money on Aug. 28, 1955, reportedly for whistling at a white woman at a grocery store. His mutilated body was found in a river three days later.
The U.S. Justice Department announced plans last year to reopen the Till investigation, saying it was triggered by several pieces of information including a documentary by New York filmmaker Keith Beauchamp.
"The exhumation is a logical continuation of that," Madden said. "An autopsy was never performed on the body and the cause of death was never determined."
The plan to exhume the body was first reported in Wednesday's Chicago Sun-Times.
Two white men charged with the murder — store owner Roy Bryant, the husband of the woman Till purportedly whistled at, and J.W. Milam, Bryant's half brother — were acquitted by an all-white jury. The two, now deceased, confessed to the killing months later in Look magazine.
Beauchamp claimed to have uncovered new evidence in his documentary "The Untold Story of Emmett Louis Till."
R. Alexander Acosta, the assistant attorney general for civil rights, has said the documentary films and new information indicates the two had accomplices who may still be alive.
Though the five-year statute of limitations in effect in 1955 means no federal charges could be brought, Mississippi state charges could still apply, Acosta said.
The Till case gave many Americans a closer look at the segregated South, its Jim Crow laws and lynchings. The boy was killed a little over a year after the Supreme Court's landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision outlawed state-sponsored school segregation and about 100 days before Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat in the white section of a segregated bus in Montgomery, Ala.
Till's mother, Mamie Till Mobley, insisted that her son's body be displayed in an open casket at his funeral, forcing the nation to see the brutality directed at blacks in the South at the time. Mobley died in 2003. She is buried next to her son.
|
Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 2538
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: 
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, May 05, 2005 - 09:48 am: |
|
Mah,
What I find AMAZING about the Emmit Til Saga is considering all that has occurred since his murder (e.g., rise/fall of MLK, Malcolm X, Civil Rights Movement, Black Riots, etc.), were he alive today he'd barely be eligible for Social Security.
Just goes to show you that were not as far from ol' Jim Crow as a lot of us would like to pretend. |
Mahoganyanais
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Mahoganyanais
Post Number: 297
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, May 05, 2005 - 09:56 am: |
|
I wish his mother were alive for this. After those bastards CONFESSED in Look magazine?!!?!? It should not have taken this long.
God bless, Beauchamp (I think that's the filmmaker's name).
My grandparents saved the Jet mag with Emmett's photo in it, and I am haunted by that image to this day.
Did anyone see the photos of Medgar Evers when they exhumed his body? First, his son looks EXACTLY like him. And secondly, he was still in tact. Man, we eat a lot of preservatives! Or does embalming work that well? I admit I don't know much about how that all works. |
Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 2588
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, May 06, 2005 - 08:32 am: |
|
Mah,
Considering HOW Emmett Till was slain, I doubt he'll be as well preserved as Medger Edgar.
I agree. Kudos to the filmakers for their efforts.
And we could never thank the late-great Mother Mosley enough for her courage and perservance. She deserves a postage stamp commission with her likeness.
I find it (you know what follows)...'INTERESTING' that Jesse Jackson questions whether Til's murder investigation/trial should continue. He alleged to have said about the proceeding "What will come of this?"
Why would HE - the great Civil Rights Activist and fellow Chicagoan, no less - question efforts to possibly bring closure to this seminal event in African American History? |
Mahoganyanais
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Mahoganyanais
Post Number: 333
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, May 06, 2005 - 10:33 pm: |
|
ABM: I find it (you know what follows)...'INTERESTING' that Jesse Jackson questions whether Til's murder investigation/trial should continue. He alleged to have said about the proceeding "What will come of this?"
Mah: Hmmm...INTERESTING. Two theories:
1) He's pissed he didn't lead the charge to open the investigation, and thus can't take credit for any justice that is ultimately served; this is Beauchamps "victory", and we know that other than his d*ck, Jesse don't like to share.
2) Not having initiated these efforts, he tried to find some other way to insinuate himself; finding none, he now downplays them in hopes of minimizing the spotlight cast on the investigation--more for him for some self-serving "mission."
Of course, neither of those answers your question. They are just my statements on Jackson's main priority: self-preservation. |
Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 2602
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, May 07, 2005 - 02:47 am: |
|
Mah,
I’m compelled to concur that either or both your suppositions about Jackson are correct.
Do you ever feel as I do: Both conservatives and liberals are just the paired cheeks of the devil’s @$$? |
Yvettep
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Yvettep
Post Number: 206
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, May 07, 2005 - 09:04 am: |
|
Both conservatives and liberals are just the paired cheeks of the devil’s @$$
Classic!
I remember in high school going with a bunch of my friends to hear Jesse talk. I remember it was wonderful and uplifting--
During the speech.
But afterwards on the ride home me and my friends were kind of at a loss to discuss the substance of what he said. It was a little like eating a whole bag of cotton candy at the state fair: Delicious while you're eating it, but basically mostly air...
But still I feel the need to defend this man's name to the death in conversations with non-Black people. Oh, why of why do some of our "leaders" put us in this position?! |
Yvettep
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Yvettep
Post Number: 207
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, May 07, 2005 - 09:07 am: |
|
Mah, I agree with both your possibilities, but offer a third: He has made some "deals" over the years (w/the devil's a-cheeks!) in the Chicagoland area and now doesn't want to piss some of these folks off... |
Mahoganyanais
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Mahoganyanais
Post Number: 345
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, May 07, 2005 - 09:46 am: |
|
ABM: Do you ever feel as I do: Both conservatives and liberals are just the paired cheeks of the devil’s @$$?
Mah: Absolutely. And I feel as Yvette does, that this is absolutely a classic quote. I'm forwarding it to all who can appreciate it!
Yvette,
Jesse must have been on a High School Tour with that speech, because we got bused to hear him too, and my reaction was the same as yours.
One thing I remember was getting this goldenrod flyer that said, "Today, Jesse Jackson came to see ME!" I guess I was supposed to feel good about myself as a result but that flyer was more about Jesse than it was about me.
And your third possibility, though completely unconscionable is likely dead on the money. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 2234
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, May 07, 2005 - 01:51 pm: |
|
ABM, I find it INTERESTINg that in the discussion about Thomas Sowell when I accused Jesse Jackson of perpetuating a need for his leadership by riding the coattails of racism, you rushed to his defense. Now you are putting him down for doing what he does best: keeping his face before the cameras by finding a cause to exploit. heh-heh. Anyway, Jesse isn't the only one protesting the exhumation of Till's body. Jackson is, in fact, representing the organization founded by Emmitt Till's mother, people who feel that the Justice Department is now grand-standing after all of these years and that Mamie Mobley would'nt have wanted her son's remains to be disturbed. Illinois State Rep Bobby Rush, who is also a former member of the Black Panther Party, is opposing Jesse on this issue, saying the exhumation must go forward. And speaking of The Black Panther Party, back in the day when assessing Liberals and Conservatives, these militant young visionaries would simply dismiss them both by referring to The Establishment as a 2-headed monster. Now, I don't want to roll my eyes at y'all's indignation about the way things are, and they way they were, so I will overlook your new-found cynicism in spite of the fact that y'all are frequently turned off by my skeptical attitudes. Remember, children. As Jesse would say: "keep hope alive." |
Mahoganyanais
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Mahoganyanais
Post Number: 363
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, May 07, 2005 - 01:54 pm: |
|
Cynique: Anyway, Jesse isn't the only one protesting the exhumation of Till's body. Jackson is, in fact, representing the organization founded by Emmitt Till's mother, people who feel that the Justice Department is now grand-standing after all of these years and that Mamie Mobley would'nt have wanted her son's remains to be disturbed.
Mah: Cynique, thanks for the info!! Hadn't consdiered that at all.
JJ does bring out the cynique...oops, CYNIC in me. |
Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 2613
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 09, 2005 - 09:50 am: |
|
Yvette,
I too as a youth have been bedazzled by the Jesse Jackson dog-n-pony show: Lot’s of emotion and entertaining, catchy phrases, but scant substance.
And I’d definitely include Jackson prior dealmaking as a possible reason for his stance on the Till issue.
Cynique,
What I find…INTERESTING about your comments is you accuse me of something WITHOUT specifically mentioning what I said. First, YOU were the one who initially mention Jesse via contrasting him with Sowell. I then said what’s listed below.
SOURCE: Thumper's Corner - African-American Literature » POV Rejection, Posted on Saturday, April 30, 2005 - 09:58 pm:
“I'm as inclined to disagree with as much of what Jackson says as I am what Sowell says. They're both propagandists to me.
But as least Jesse has had the stones to take a very public stand for what he believes. He could have EASILY had his head blown off like his fabled mentor.
Sowell's, however, been protected by massah. Though that's not really necessary. Because when was the last time Blacks have killed sell-outs amongst us?”
My criticism of Jackson does not mean I believe he hasn’t made any contributions. From the perspective of an African American, I find Jesse Jackson to be sort of necessary evil.
Basically, I think Jesse Jackson has done some good, even necessary, things. But they often appear to be for blatantly selfish reasons.
I also think his day has come and gone and his presence and persona has stunted the development of younger, fresher and more vital Black leadership.
Still. Whether I agree with him or not, I give Jackson credit for putting his @$$ on the line in ways few of his opponent would so much as THINK about.
And that INCLUDES guys like Sowell.
‘Course, since Sowell’s views coincide with those who have the most power, he’s never really had to be concerned about much.
And no disrespect intended to Mother Mabley. But if she wanted her son’s murder solved, and I think all indications are she did, she would allow the authorities make reasonable efforts to effect a solution. And in this day of DNA evidence, Emmett’s body may indeed have evidence of who killed him.
And, again no disrespect. But Mabley was an old woman who – especially because of her experiences - was likely suspicious of many things concerning Whites, sciences, government, etc.
Now I agree this project shouldn’t be done willy-nilly. Perhaps if a clear explanation is provided of HOW Emmett’s remains will be explored, maybe both sides can reach a mutually satisfactory solution. |
Yvettep
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Yvettep
Post Number: 229
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 09, 2005 - 11:11 am: |
|
But Mabley...because of her experiences - was likely suspicious of many things concerning Whites, sciences, government, etc.
I was going to say this. Thanks, ABM. Good points.
|
Mahoganyanais
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Mahoganyanais
Post Number: 372
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 09, 2005 - 11:18 am: |
|
Her last name was Mobley.
Love,
Your Teacher |
Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 2616
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 10, 2005 - 03:13 am: |
|
Mah: "Her last name was Mobley....Love, Your Teacher."
ABM: Thanks. I know her name yet my minds glitches whenever I think to write it. ("You just can't beat those geeky kids from Yale.") |
Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 2623
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 10, 2005 - 05:34 am: |
|
Interestingly, it seems Till’s Mississippi relatives, some of whom where WITH him around the time he were killed, SUPPORT an autopsy being performed of his remains. It’s his Chicago relatives (after ‘counsel’ with Jesse Jackson Sr. I’m sure) who’ve balked at Emmett being exhumed and examined. |
Mahoganyanais
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Mahoganyanais
Post Number: 520
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 01, 2005 - 02:14 pm: |
|
http://www.cnn.com/2005/LAW/06/01/civil.rights.killing.ap/index.html
Casket unearthed. |
Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 3146
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, June 02, 2005 - 11:23 am: |
|
I know these may appear to some to be inappropriate questions to ask. But, hell, I just gottah:
How was Till's killers able to take him from his relatives' home in the dead of night? Were they all some REALLY heavy sleepers?
Did witness his kidnapping but were too afraid to respond? (Did they care?)
Also. Till was sleeping in bed with his young cousin. Why did they take ONLY Till given that the cousin might have been able to finger them for their crime?
How long was it between when he was abducted and when his kin began searching for him?
Why the HECK would a 14 year old Black boy openly wolf-whistle at a White woman in Mississippi in 1955? Was that a lie? If so, who told it? The woman (who's still alive)?
And if it's true, what was WRONG with Till to do something THAT stupid? |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 2281
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, June 02, 2005 - 02:23 pm: |
|
You have to understand the tenor or the times in which all of this happened. The gossip and rumors and official reports that have circulated down through the years all say something to the effect that Emmitt Till was a typical, smart-alecky, teen-aged big-city boy from Chicago who was sent by his mother down to Mississippi to spend the summer with relatives who lived in a dusty little segregated southern town where the oppressed black citizens didn't dare do anything to offend the white ones. Before he left town, Till's mother had emphatically warned him to be on his good behavior, reminding him that whites down south didn't take any lip from blacks and that it was dangerous to provoke them. Till's southern relatives had also cautioned him about his behavior, even becoming a little irritated with the arrogance that he displayed upon his arrival, fearing that he would get them all in trouble. And, according to these relatives, Till did, indeed, whistle at the wife of a white storekeeper, and when her husband and his friends heard about this, they came looking for Till at the house where he was staying. Emmitt's helpless, intimidated grandparents, who knew the men, allowed them to take Emmitt from their house because the men said they just wanted to teach Emmitt a lesson and that they would return him later. Of course, they never did, and the reason they gave in their later confessions was that Till had continued to act uppity and refused to apologize for his actions, defying them till the very end. Till's northern family members were notified about his disappearance but the local authorities dragged their feet about the situation. Anyway, when Till's mutilated body, which had been weighed down with a fan from a cottom gin, was found in a nearby river, the federal government got involved, and, - as they say, the rest was history. What happened to this bold young upstart was the proverbial "last straw." The outrage over his brutal murder resonated throughout the country, gaining the momentum that finally exploded into the civil rights movment. Emmitt Till was a fearless young black man whose only crime was his impertinence. He paid for this with his life, but his lynching turned him into a martyr. And, according to the reports in today's Chicago newspapers, when they exhumed his body yesterday and opened first the vault that his casket was in and then the sealed coffin with its glass top, even after 50 years, the remains of Emmitt Till were remarkably well-preserved. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 2282
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, June 02, 2005 - 11:25 pm: |
|
Jeeze. Hope Emmett Till doesn't come back and haunt me for incorrectly spelling his name Emmitt. Sorry, fella. |
|
Email This Page