Summary
A new national monument dedicated to the murdered teenager Emmett Till and his mother honors three sites critical to Till's story, and central to the birth of America's civil rights movement. The announcement comes in the middle of a heated debate over how best to teach children about race and American history. Laura Barrón-López reports.
For a transcript of this story, click here.
News wrap alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
Five Facts
- When was Emmett Till murdered?
- How old would Till be if he was alive today?
- Who witnessed Till's kidnapping?
- Where was Till's body found?
- What was the racial makeup of the jury for Till's murderers?
Focus Questions
Do you think the monument will help educate the public about Till and his legacy? Why or why not?
News analysis: Why do you think this story was framed in a way that ties it to current debates about education?
Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What story would you want to find out more about? Where would you go to learn more?
For More
What students can do: Research: What other monuments across the country help tell the story of the civil rights movement and struggle against racism? Which do you think are the most effective at helping to tell the story?
