Emmett Till murder trial is author talk topic March 13
Ronald Collins, a renowned legal scholar and Lewes Public Library distinguished lecturer, will reveal insights from his new book, “Tragedy on Trial: The Story of the Infamous Emmett Till Murder Trial” at 5 p.m., Wednesday, March 13, at the library, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes. The event will also stream live online via Zoom.
In Collins’ extensively researched book, the shocking story of the 1955 trial of two white men accused of murdering Emmett Till, a Black teenager, comes vividly to life. This original, in-depth telling highlights the unspeakable manipulations of justice throughout the case, the fearless efforts of Emmett’s mother Mamie, and the courage of friends and family who testified. Collins also exposes the truth behind the killers’ accounts published in a widely read 1956 Look magazine article, correcting falsehoods that persist to this day.
“Emmett Till's murder was a tragedy in every way – the loss of a young life, the treatment of his family in the aftermath of his death, and the failure of the justice system to hold his killers accountable,” said Mike Brickner, ACLU-DE executive director. “His story remains relevant today as we continue to see a legal system that discriminates against Black and brown Americans, a rise in hate crimes levied against people of color, and generational inequality. We must learn the full story of our past in order to move forward in the future.”
Collins will be in conversation with Chanta Howard Wilkinson, Esq., a Lewes-based consultant and expert on diversity, equity, inclusion and justice.
The event is presented by the Lewes Public Library, ACLU of Delaware, Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice, Delaware Human & Civil Rights Commission, League of Women Voters of Delaware, YWCA Delaware and Browseabout Books.
Registration is required. At registration, participants will be asked to select virtual or in-person attendance. To sign up, go to tinyurl.com/zoomwithauthors or lewes.lib.de.us.
Participants are encouraged to support the author by purchasing a signed copy of the book from local independent bookstore Browseabout Books. Orders may be placed online at browseaboutbooks.com, by calling the store at 302-226-2665, or in person at 133 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach.
