Emmett Till: The Pursuit of Happiness An 85th Birthday Commemoration Dinner
Fri, Jul 31, 2026, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm CT
Obama Presidential Center | Home Court
6121 South Stony Island Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States (US)
About the Event
At a time when people are working overtime to erase our story, we will consider the continuing challenge of Emmett Till to fulfill the promise of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness during the month of July, a month that connects the 85th birthday of Emmett Till and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Our month-long series of events culminates in a special presentation at the new Obama Presidential Center, a powerfully impacting dinner event prepared by a James Beard Award-winning chef, and featuring
A Conversation With
The Rev. Dr. Wheeler Parker, Jr.
Author, A Few Days Full of Trouble: Revelations on the Journey to Justice
for My Cousin and Best Friend, Emmett Till
During this commemorative dinner, we will consider the remarkable life of Emmett Till and why we need to know his story now more than ever. It is a story we can only come to know from the man who knew Emmett best, the one who was there in the house when Emmett was taken from us in Mississippi, dead of night, the man who pursued justice in a recent four-year ride-along with the FBI, an investigation revealing the untold story behind the story of the lynching that sparked the modern Civil Rights Movement. It is a compelling story we all need to hear.
Remarks will also be presented by invited guests Mayor Brandon Johnson, Senator Tammy Duckworth, Lt. Gov. Julia Stratton, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and others, along with videos of our brilliant students and dramatic excerpts from the acclaimed play, “A Trial in the Delta: The Murder of Emmett Till,” adapted from the Emmett Till murder trial transcript by Collaboraction Theatre Company.
Emmett Till continues to call out to us, urging us to honor him by living a virtuous life, the life he was denied, so that we might flourish as fully engage citizens in an emerging multiracial, multicultural democracy—one that cannot be suppressed.
Let’s all rise to the occasion. Support the cause. Join us as we celebrate the work of the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley Institute in our ongoing effort to prepare the next generation of leadership in finally, after 250 years, bringing about a more perfect union.
The Till Life Matters Initiative
“Embracing the Past … Empowering the Future”
Location
Obama Presidential Center | Home Court
6121 South Stony Island Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States (US)
Date and Time
Fri, Jul 31, 2026, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm CT
Refund Policy
No refunds offered.
Organizer
The Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley Institute
The Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley Institute is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to research, education, and enlightened civic engagement to advance the legacy of Mamie Till-Mobley, an educator and mother of Emmett Till.
Order Confirmation
Organizer
The Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley Institute
The Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley Institute is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to research, education, and enlightened civic engagement to advance the legacy of Mamie Till-Mobley, an educator and mother of Emmett Till.
