CHOOSING BRAVE

The brutal killing of a Black youth turns his mother into an activist for justice.

This poignant volume about the murder of Emmett Till focuses on his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, and how her son’s death drove her to seek justice, first for him and then for the Black community. Mamie and her family moved from Mississippi to the outskirts of Chicago, hoping for a better life. Mamie married young boxer Louis Till. Their baby boy had many medical problems, but Mamie refused to institutionalize him. When a chance came for Emmett to spend time with family in Mississippi, she was reluctant but gave in. He had not been there long before word came that he was missing. When his body was found, it was barely recognizable and Mamie was told not to open the casket. However, she was determined that the world would know what was done to Emmett, and the images from the open viewings had a major impact on the growing civil rights movement. Although those accused of his murder were allowed to go free, Mamie continued her fight for social change, ensuring Emmett Till’s story would not be forgotten. This story is told with hauntingly lyrical language that successfully captures the tenor of the time and brings to life its subjects. The text is enhanced with powerful expressionistic art crafted from cut paper and silhouettes. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A devastating, uniquely told story that will resonate.