Historian to present course on Emmett Till murder trial in July
Ronald Collins, a renowned legal scholar and Lewes Public Library distinguished lecturer, will present an intensive look into the Emmett Till trial during a six-session course from 3:30 to 5 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, July 9 to 25, at the library, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes. The course will also stream online via Zoom.
Collins will draw from his new book, “Tragedy on Trial: The Story of the Infamous Emmett Till Murder Trial,” to offer an original and in-depth account of the Till murder trial. He will highlight the fearless efforts of Mamie Till, and the courageous friends and family who testified, as well as the truth behind the widely read 1956 Look magazine story, correcting falsehoods that persist to this day.
“While much attention has focused on the savage 1955 murder of Emmett Till, no serious and extensive attention has been devoted to the trial itself, in which the two defendants were acquitted,” said Collins. “This class will take a deep dive into that subject and how the defendants’ guilt came to be reported (and distorted). For lawyers and laypersons alike, the class will explore the encounter between life-denying bigotry and life-affirming courage, and how both illuminate what occurred in a Mississippi courtroom nearly 75 years ago.”
Class size is limited and registration is required. At registration, participants will be asked to select virtual or in-person attendance. To sign up, go to lewes.lib.de.us or call 302-645-2733.
While it is suggested all attendees read the book, it is not required. Copies of the book are available to borrow from the library, and one will be held at the circulation desk to read while in the building. Participants may also purchase a signed copy from local independent bookstore Browseabout Books online at browseaboutbooks.com, or in person at 133 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach.
