HONOR A SPECIAL WOMAN IN YOUR LIFE!!! For the 2014 Woman of Courage Award in Honor of MAMIE TILL MOBLEY

Loving From the Inside Out (LFTIO) 2014

presented by Emmett Till Legacy Foundation (ETLF) and the Circle of Women

 

Honor a special woman in your life!!!

Nominate her for the 2014 Woman of Courage award!

(to be presented on March 15, 2014 during LFTIO in Pensacola, Florida, during the

"Woman of Courage" Awards Luncheon, at New World Landing, 600 Palafox Street, Pensacola, Florida.

 CALL FOR NOMINATIONS EXTENDED! JANUARY 10!

Do you know a "Woman of Courage"?...Some one who has qualities like Mamie Till Mobley, the mother of Emmett Till.  Her unselfish decision to have an open casket funeral for her only 14 year old son, sparked the civil rights movement, sent a "charge of out rage" and touched the hearts and minds of those around the world!

Here are the qualities we are looking for. Please Nominate>>>>
■A woman who has demonstrated the ability and resolve to transform tragedy, disappointment, heartbreak and or loss into " a lasting legacy of courage and hope".

■ A woman who has moved beyond the ordinary to do... the extraordinary by making strides to move forward while engaging in action when most others would not.

■ A woman whose unselfish actions, spirit, and complexities, motivates and inspires others.
Think of the names of women , whose act of courage makes them stand out among others. (These women could be well known to many or an unsung shero to others.)

Nomination deadline extended to Januyary 10, 2014. Please send in now!:

+ Give us the name and contact info (tel no. and email address) of your nominee and tell us why you think your nominee should receive this award. Please include a description of her actions and/or qualities that make her a great nominee.

+ Extended to Friday, JANUARY 10.

+ Send nominations via email to info@emmetttilllegacyfoundation.com

+ Place "Woman Of Courage" Award nomination in the subject line.

+ Include your name and contact info.

THANK YOU!

Again, Have your friends from all across the country LIKE this page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Emmett-Till-Legacy-Foundation/138927669624 and join the event here https://www.facebook.com/events/245750925590268/ so they don't miss future announcements!

 

The Board of Directors and Ambassadors of

Emmett Till Legacy Foundation"creating a legacy of hope"

763 476 8677 office
http://www.emmetttilllegacyfoundation.com/n.com

Invite and host us to show the powerful and inspiring 45 min documentary "Who Killed Emmett Till?" for your next event. Check out this 7min preview, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BL1vMFwZEus

 

 

Join us on facebook, Like our page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Emmett-Till-Legacy-Foundation/138927669624 and

 

 

Please Join and Make the Never Again Pledge at the "Never Again" Movement and Pledge Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Never-Again-Movement-and-Pledge/136014269806914

 

 

Follow us on twitter: www.twitter.com/emmetttill

 

 

For more information about the foundation and to provide in-kind services or sponsor an initiative email us at: emmett_till_legacy@yahoo.com or info@emmetttilllegacyfoundation.com

 

 

 

Check out the blogspot too! http://emmett-till-legacy-of-hope.blogspot.com//

 

Emmett Till Legacy Foundation is a 501c3 non profit organization "creating a legacy of hope" in memory of Emmett Louis Till and his mother Mamie Till Mobley. A donation to support our efforts can be made at

www.emmetttilllegacyfoundation.com/

LOVING FROM THE INSIDE OUT: A Call For presentations Due December 30, 2013

LOVING FROM THE INSIDE OUT:

A CALL FOR PRESENTATION PROPOSALS: Due Dec 30, 2013

 

Spring 2014, Loving From The Inside Out (LFTIO) Women's Empowerment Symposium to be held in Pensacola, Florida on Sat, March 15, 2014 at New World Landing.

We are Looking for women of color presenters to deliver presentation topics centered on "Loving From The Inside Out". Looking for Women who can reach, teach and share information that will nurture and strengthen the mind, body, spirit, ...health, wealth, safety/security, careers & relationships for the sistas who attend.

What a great opportunity to reach out and help women of color, engage, heal, grow and find love!

If you are an expert in your field, "authentic" and with a "story to tell", we need you for the Spring 2014 symposium ( main sessions "Inside your Spirit", "Inside your Mind" and "Inside your Body"). We will let you know if you are selected.

 

LFTIO Presentation proposals are due by midnight on December 30, 2013.

 

Each LFTIO Presentation Submission should cover a total 55 min = 30 presentation 25 min engagement/Q&A
 

In your proposal please include:
 

• Name of Presenter 
• Current Title:
• Contact Information (address,
  city, state, zip, email address and day, evening tel numbers and cell)
• Title of your presentation
• a Brief description of presentation. Please include
  (purpose/goals, how will it be delivered and why is it relevant and the benefits to the attendees and intended target audience)
• Other groups/places where the presentation has
  been given, include any testimonials or references
• 1 page Bio
• Audio/visual needs
   

Email your proposal or submission to:
info@emmetttilllegacyfoundation.com
  Place "I want to be a 2014 LFTIO PRESENTER" in the subject line.

Become a Presenter (or share this with someone you know who would be a perfect match)
LOVING FROM THE INSIDE OUT™…(LFTIO) is a powerful and life changing women's empowerment symposium. LFTIO is an opportunity for women of color to come together to engage, heal, grow and find love! The attendees will learn from leading experts and each other, address issues that concern them and gain some important steps to having the love, career and life that they want and deserve!

YES!....it's their turn and their time!!! You can make a huge difference in the life of an awesome woman in need of LOVE!

With immense gratitude,

 

Here is the event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/245750925590268/

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the
Emmett Till Legacy Foundation
With sincere appreciation,
Deborah Watts

 

 

Emmett Till Legacy Foundation"creating a legacy of hope"

763 476 8677 office
http://www.emmetttilllegacyfoundation.com/n.com

 

 

Invite and host us to show the powerful and inspiring 45 min documentary "Who Killed Emmett Till?" for your next event. Check out this 7min preview, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BL1vMFwZEus

 

 

Join us on facebook, Like our page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Emmett-Till-Legacy-Foundation/138927669624 and

 

Please Join and Make the Never Again Pledge at the "Never Again" Movement and Pledge Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Never-Again-Movement-and-Pledge/136014269806914

 

Follow us on twitter: www.twitter.com/emmetttill

 

For more information about the foundation and to provide in-kind services or sponsor an initiative email us at: emmett_till_legacy@yahoo.com or info@emmetttilllegacyfoundation.com

 

Check out the blogspot too! http://emmett-till-legacy-of-hope.blogspot.com/

Emmett Till Legacy Foundation is a 501c3 non profit organization "creating a legacy of hope" in memory of Emmett Louis Till and his mother Mamie Till Mobley. A donation to support our efforts can be made at  www.emmetttilllegacyfoundation.com/

The passing of a giant, NELSON MANDELA. Our inspiration!

The passing of a giant, NELSON MANDELA. Our inspiration!

Our hearts are saddened by the passing of a giant of a man.... Nelson Mandela, who was a man of remarkable grace, intelligence, courage and strength. Our prayers are with his family and the beautiful people of South Africa. The grace and dignity in which he fought for freedom, democracy,  One man One Vote, economic parity and equality for his people and country inspired the entire world and us deeply. We will forever remember his legacy and His life's journey and how he and our beloved friends in beautiful South Africa endured the long, brutal, violent, sad, racist, inhumane regime of apartheid and are yet striving to forgive, overcome, survive and move beyond its hate filled legacy today. Rest President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela,  "Madiba". You certainly have earned your crown. We are forever indebted to you for the un-selfish sacrifices you made that impact us all.

On behalf of the Emmett Till Legacy Foundation, Our ambassadors and family, Co Founder, Deborah Watts
#NelsonMandela #Madiba #reconciliation #inspiration

December 12, 2013 in Omaha, Emmett Till was one of the first. Let's make Trayvon Martin one of the last. Never Again! w/ Who Killed Emmett Till? screening and panel discussion.

Emmett Till was one of the first.
Let’s make Trayvon Martin one of the last.
NEVER AGAIN!

The murder of Emmett Till in August 1955 became one of the pivotal moments of the American Civil Rights Movement because of the tireless efforts of his mother Mamie Till Mobley and many others who wanted justice for his horrific death. ...

Deborah Watts — Omaha native, Till family member and co-founder of the Emmett Till Legacy Foundation — will introduce the documentary “Who Killed Emmett Till?” and join a panel discussion as audience members observe the timeline of the murder, first-hand interviews from witnesses who were there when Emmett was kidnapped, the barn where he was tortured and killed, and the murder investigation where his killers were allowed to walk away without even a slap on the wrist.

Come, engage, share your insights with how this story is relevant today, given the current justice for Trayvon Martin efforts..

Thursday, Dec. 12
6:30–8 p.m.
Light hors d’oeuvres buffet opens at 6:15 p.m.
Fort Omaha Campus, 30th and Fort streets, Building 22
Swanson Conference Center, Rooms 201A–B
Free and open to the public.

YOU CAN BE A HOST AMBASSADOR- INVITE US TO SHARE A PART OF HISTORY TO PREPARE OUR FUTURE TODAY!

Will YOU be a Host Ambassador?

Yes?.......YES! Here is how...........

You and your organization, group, school, church, club, fraternity, sorority, social club, civil rights association, company or team can schedule a screening/viewing of the powerful and inspiring 45 min documentary "WHO KILLED EMMETT TILL? (Or The Story of Mamie Till Mobley) including a post discussion to include Till family members and more!

Given the violence in our communities....and the need for justice for Trayvon Martin, Oscar Grant, Renisha McBride and too many others..Emmett's Story is still relevant today. The injustice and tragedy should never be repeated! We need to expose this part of our American history to your youth/students and join you in developing solutions now!

We will be on hand to answer questions, engage with your audience (community members, leaders, youth, students, clergy, staff, family etc) share insights, dispel myths, provide closure/update on Emmett's case and to explore how we can move forward together beyond these tragedies and generate solutions....

Email us at info@emmetttilllegacyfoundation.com for more information. Put "I or We want to Be a HOST Ambassador" in the subject line. Check your calendar and select a few dates to  Schedule "Who Killed Emmett Till?" (directed by Ray Metoyer) for your next event today. We will be there to help facilitate this important discussion about our youth and their future!

A host ambassador will provide:

• the venue
• Audio and Visual equipment
• identify the theme
• Select the date and time
• invite the audience
• Promote the event
• Discuss budget and possible donation to support our work.

Check out the first 7 mins of WHO KILLED EMMETT TILL?, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BL1vMFwZEus

Play

(Show link)

Who Killed Emmett Till?

rmetoyer

An examination of the 1955 murder of Emmett Till, including why the case was reopened. This is the first segment in a one hour documentary.

(Show link)

 

Don't pass up this opportunity to come together to examine an important part of our history and discuss how we move forward to prepare, educate and protect our future!
 

"Emmett Till was one of the first, Let's make Trayvon Martin one of the Last"....Never Again!

 

YOU CAN BE A HOST AMBASSADOR- INVITE US TO SHARE A PART OF HISTORY TO PREPARE OUR FUTURE TODAY!

We look forward to hearing from you soon.

All the Best,

Emmett Till Legacy Foundation (ETLF)

"Creating a Legacy Of Hope"

763 476 8677

http://www.emmetttilllegacyfoundation.com/

Unique job fair at Progressive Church a big success!

See article below and note also posted on Facebook. Click Here! https://www.facebook.com/notes/progressive-community-job-career-fair/unique-job-fair-at-progressive-church-a-big-success/528028463931324

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unique job fair at Progressive Church a big success!

 

    By Ray Richardson

               

                  Bringing a job fair to faith-based communities turned out to be a unique, yet successful combination.

 And based on the results and feedback, there will likely be more such collaborations to help fight unemployment among African-Americans in Minneapolis-St. Paul.

                An estimated 300 people from diverse communities and ages attended the Job and Career Fair on July 23 at Progressive Baptist Church in St. Paul, a debut event that attracted 24 employers, schools and agencies around the Twin Cities. Several participants landed jobs on the spot or were scheduled for immediate follow-up interviews.

                “When we founded Progressive 21 years ago, we founded it with the desire to not just be a traditional Baptist church,” said Rev. Earl Miller, senior pastor at Progressive. “Our goal was to make a difference in the lives of our people and address major issues. Unemployment and education are major issues in our community, and as a predominantly African-American church, we need to be involved in dealing with those concerns.”

                Miller said when the idea of a job and career fair at his church was presented to him, he and his staff was very receptive and “jumped at it.”

                The job and career fair was developed by Deborah Watts, a member of Progressive Church and co-founder of the Emmett Till Legacy Foundation (ETLF). ETLF, along with members of Progressive, Ramsey County Commissioners Toni Carter and Jim McDonough, community leaders and faith-based organizations, partnered with several agencies to coordinate the job and career fair, including Ramsey County, Twin Cities RISE! and the St. Paul chapter of the NAACP.

                Among the employers that sent representatives to the fair were Wells Fargo, Health Partners, Ramsey County, City of St. Paul, Assurant, Minnesota Department of Corrections, HMS Host , Summit Academy OIC, UCare, St. Paul Public Schools  and Job Connect.

                “Kudos to Progressive Baptist Church for their pro-active stance in combating joblessness in our community,” Carter said. “The job fair is a significant step toward building a new community network, activated by people of faith. We need to help people find their way to, or back to work.”

The response from job seekers and employers has led to discussions of more similar job and career fairs in the future. Jeff Martin, president of the NAACP St. Paul chapter, said he welcomes a move to rotate a fair to different churches in Minneapolis and St. Paul, “perhaps on a quarterly basis.”

Job seekers were asked to fill out a survey before leaving and many comments supported having more job and career fairs in the community. One participant wrote: “Please continue to offer this…please continue to grow it.”

Martin said the reviews were strong enough to keep the concept going.

                “There’s been talk of doing another one in late fall,” Martin said. “There’s nothing wrong with getting more people into church. Sometimes people feel more uncomfortable talking to employers at other venues. In a church, there’s less pressure. It seems like there should be a common link between the church and business community.”

                Making things even more comfortable for job seekers at Progressive was the presence of what Martin called a “triage” to help with appearance or grooming needs. A “dress for success suite” was set up in the church to assist participants who needed to enhance their appearance with clothing items such as dress shirts, ties, blouses, dresses and other accessories.

 Sherrie Pugh, a local business owner with a clothing line, discussed examples of professional attire that can be worn for work or to an interview. Members of various organizations donated clothing items for participants to wear. Progressive member Lenora Braxton, a licensed cosmetologist and educator, provided hair and makeup services if needed.

If a participant did not feel totally prepared with their appearance before heading into Progressive’s Imani Family Life Center for the fair, the “dress for success suite” was a comforting solution. The suite added to the unique concept of the job and career fair and was a key component to the event’s success.

“I felt it was extremely valuable for a church to get involved in helping remove the unemployment gap in our community,” said Shereese Turner, director of recruitment and internships for Twin Cities RISE, a career development agency in Minneapolis and St. Paul. “With Progressive hosting this fair, it definitely impacted their congregation and the community in a positive way. I look forward to participating and supporting more of these events in the future.”

Statistics indicate that job and career fairs geared toward African-Americans, whether in the church or other venues, are a vital option to battle unemployment concerns.

Based on reports in the Quarterly Economic Pulse, Minnesota Compass and Economic Policy Institute released at the end of 2012, African-Americans represented 25.4 percent of the unemployment rate in Minnesota – compared to a combined 6.6 percent of all other nationalities in the state.

The percentage of unemployed African-Americans in Minnesota at the end of 2012 was higher than Michigan (22.0 percent) and California (20.4 percent).

“It is proof that when we pull our resources together, we can make a difference,” Watts said. “Some job seekers walked out with second interviews, good leads and actual jobs. We are confident in knowing that the answers to most of our problems are not beyond our reach. My hope is that we continue to confront the challenges we face in employment, the achievement gap in education, health disparities, violence in our communities and other issues together."

For more information about the Progressive Church Job and Career Fair, helpful job search tips and future events, go to our facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ProgressiveJobCareerFair or Progressive’s web site at http://www.pbcmn.org/. Or you can contact the church directly at 651-774-5503.

             For information about the Emmett Till Legacy Foundation,

visit the web site at http://www.emmetttilllegacyfoundation.com/.

 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Emmett-Till-Legacy-Foundation/138927669624.

Twitter account: www.twitter.com/EmmettTill

Progressive Community Job & Career Fair July 23, 2013 Flyer

If you are Hiring.....Register today for the July 23, 2013 Progressive Community Job & Career Fair

Dear Valued Employers, Recruiters and Hiring Managers,

 

You are cordially invited to join us for our 1st annual Progressive Community Job and Career Fair on:

 

Tuesday, July 23^rd, 2013

10 am – 3 pm

Progressive Baptist Church, In the Progressive “Imani”  Family Life Center

1505 Burns Ave.

Saint Paul, MN 55106

 

This employer recruitment opportunity is held to specifically assist in reducing unemployment. Progressive Baptist Church and Emmett Till Legacy Foundation, in partnership with Ramsey County, Twin Cities RISE!,  PROCEED, TheHookUpNetwork, Saint Paul NAACP, AALC and more, wish to garner a sense of community, economic development and community empowerment for employers and residents of the greater Twin Cities Area. 

 

The Progressive Community Job and Career Fair will provide your business/organization the opportunity to:

§  Connect face to face with hundreds of local qualified candidates and job seekers in a single day

§  Network and strengthen your business relationship with diverse communities

§  Create awareness and market your company/organization and support services to St. Paul and Minneapolis  job seekers

§  Expand your recruitment to a diverse pool of qualified candidates

 

We hope that you will join us for this unique community and family strengthening opportunity.

 

A registration/invoice form, including the fee structure and payment methods for participation in the Progressive Community Job and Career Fair are available via the links below  for your convenience.  

Here is the Registration/Invoice form link. http://www.pbcmn.org/graphics/pcjfform.pdf 

 

If paying via credit card please click here: http://progressivecommunityjobfairemployerregistration.eventbrite.com/

 

Please note: The Early Bird special fee has been extended to 
July 16, 2013! Register today! Pay via event brite, money order or check then Fill out registration form send form

• via fax to 651 774 4495 Attention: Diana McGee or
• email to progressivechurch@comcast.net or
• send via USPS mail to:

 Emmett Till legacy Foundation
1161 wayzata Blvd East Suite 43,
MInneapolis, MN 55391

 

Here is the link to the your (original) letter of Invitation to employers http://www.pbcmn.org/graphics/pcjf.pdf

 

In the meantime: Please like the face book page too! Click here and like now! https://www.facebook.com/ProgressiveJobCareerFair
 

For additional information please contact, Job Fair Coordinator or  Job Fair Employer Registration coordinator at Progressive Baptist Church at 651-774-5503 progressivechurch@comcast.net.  

 

We look forward to your support and participation!

Sincerely, 

Rev. Dr. Earl F. Miller, Senior Pastor   Progressive Baptist Church	Charles Reese & Deborah Watts, Co-Founders           Emmett Till Legacy Foundation
Toni Carter, Ramsey County Commissioner	Jim McDonough, Ramsey County Commissioner

Jeffry Martin President,  Saint Paul NAACP

Progressive Baptist Church ~ 1505 Burns Ave. ~ St. Paul , MN 55106

651-774-5503 (Office) ~ 651-774 -4495 (Fax )~ E-Mail: progressivechurch@comcast.net  ~ Website: pbcmn.org

Progressive Community Job & Career Fair July 23, 2013 10a.m.-3 p.m. Register Today!

Job Seekers can  Pre-Register at Eventbrite. click here:  http://progressivecommunityjobcareerfair2013.eventbrite.com/

 

To stay up to date on tips and jobs....Like the Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/ProgressiveJobCareerFair

WHO KILLED EMMETT TILL? a moving documentary and enlightening Q & A with Deborah Watts on April 6

Who Killed Emmett Till? (A powerful and moving Documentary directed by award winning journalist +Ray Metoyer)

The library presents a Viewing and post discussion with co founder of the +Emmett Till Legacy Foundation and Till family member, +Deborah Watts. Bring your family and Join us at 1:30 pm on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at the Westside Branch Library, located at 1580 W. Cervantes St. in Pensacola, Florida. You don't want to miss this unique opportunity. Spread the word!

Westside Branch Library 1580 W. Cervantes St. Pensacola, FL 32501 850.595.1047

Emmett Till Legacy Foundation

"Creating a Legacy Of Hope"

763 476 8677

www.emmetttilllegacyfoundation.com

 

Join us on facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Emmett-Till-Legacy-Foundation/138927669624 and

 

Please Join and Make the Never Again Pledge at the "Never Again" Movement and Pledge Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Never-Again-Movement-and-Pledge/136014269806914,

 

Follow us on twitter www.twitter.com/EmmettTill

 

For more information about the foundation and to provide in-kind services or sponsor an initiative email us at:emmett_till_legacy@yahoo.com or info@emmetttilllegacyfoundation.com

Check out the blogspot too! http://emmett-till-legacy-of-hope.blogspot.com/

Emmett Till Legacy Foundation is a 501c3 non profit organization "creating a legacy of hope". A tax deductible donation to support our efforts can be made at http://www.emmetttilllegacyfoundation.com/

Discussion is key to diversity

Discussion is key to diversity

Posted on 28 March 2013.

 Deborah Watts, co-founder and board president of the Emmett Till Legacy Foundation, led a discussion on inclusion and injustice following a showing of “Who Killed Emmett Till?” last Thursday evening in the Argonaut Athletic Club

 

+Deborah Watts speaks about inclusion and injustice to a packed crowd at the Argonaut Athletic Club.(Photos by Kristine Medina)

+Deborah Watts, co-founder and board president of the Emmett Till Legacy Foundation, led a discussion on inclusion and injustice following a showing of “Who Killed Emmett Till?” last Thursday evening in the Argonaut Athletic Club.

+Emmett Till was a 14-year-old African-American boy from Chicago who was murdered after allegedly whistling at and flirting with +Carolyn Bryant, a 21-year-old Caucasian woman, during a visit to Money, Miss. in the summer of 1955. Till’s body was found in the Tallahatchie River days later.

+Roy Bryant, Carolyn’s husband, and +J.W. Milam, Roy’s half brother, are believed to have kidnapped, tortured and murdered Till on the night of Aug. 28, 1955. They were charged and acquitted for kidnapping and murder. Months later, Bryant and Milam confessed to Till’s murder in a magazine article.

Watts was introduced by +Mamie Hixon, assistant professor of English and director of the Writing Lab, before the showing of the documentary. Hixon met Watts four years ago during a book club meeting and discovered that Watts is a cousin of Emmett Till.

Hixon said Till’s story sparked discussion on the topic of racism last Thursday.

“Discussion is the key to inclusion and diversity,” she said. “You need all ethnicities participating in interactive discussion and hearing both sides. I think that’s what tonight’s message was about, allowing people to talk, because often we just don’t talk about race or racism.”

Hixon said it’s rare to see different people from different walks of life come together to discuss such a controversial topic, but acknowledging events in history such as Till’s death is needed to reassure that history won’t repeat itself.

Hixon

Watts opened the floor for questions about Till’s story and discussion about inclusion and injustice after the documentary.

+Rose Marshall, a junior community health education major, spoke during the discussion about how stories, like Till’s, should not be used as a way of hate.

“You can’t just sit and be bitter about the past,” Marshall said. “You’ve got to deal with it. Let’s not let that happen again. We have to come together to make something better for all of us, not just for the black people, not just for the whites, but the purples and everybody.”
Erika Neat, a freshman marine biology major, came to the discussion for extra credit but became passionate about the topic because it reminded her of her old high school, Nathan Bedford Forrest High School.

Nathan Bedford Forrest was one of the leaders of the Ku Klux Klan, a white supremacist organization.

“There was a big drive my sophomore year of high school to get that name changed especially because of the demographic around that school,” Neat said. “It was degrading to go to a high school that was named after a leader of the KKK. It saddened me that such a drive of white resistance was against that change.”

Being Christian inspired Neat to refer to a verse in the Bible, Ephesians 4:29, that states: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

Marshall

“I feel like gossip is a huge topic,” she said. “And I feel like we really need to stay away from that and be conscious of how we make other people feel with our actions and what we say.”

Before the discussion came to a close, Watts invited students from the audience to lead a pledge on racism, hatred, injustice and crimes against youth. The “Never Again” pledge was inspired by Till’s story and written by college students.

Till’s case was reopened in 2004 after +Keith Beauchamp, producer and director of the film, “The Untold Story of Emmett Till,” found people accused of involvement with Till’s kidnapping and murder. There wasn’t any progress in the case, it was closed in 2006, but Till’s story still resonates with people exposed to the Civil Rights Movement.

Justice was never found, but Watts said she “gets to channel those disappointments into hope.” For that reason, she continues to discuss Till’s story with people across the country.

“Who Killed Emmett Till?” originally aired on the Black Family Channel in 2005. The 45-minute documentary chronicled the events leading up to the death of Till and the aftermath. The discussion was the final event of the Inclusion Series Spotlight hosted by Inclusion Services and Programs at the university.

“A Living Museum: Unearthing Common Ground” will be the program’s end-of-the-year event, which will be held April 1 at 6:30 p.m. in the University Commons Auditorium. The event will feature faculty, staff and students who will act as important figures throughout history.

Kristine Medina
Staff Writer

http://www.thevoyager.net/2013/03/discussion-is-key-to-diversity/