The Emmett Till Interpretive Center has announced the launch of the Emmett Till Youth Advisory Council, a new 12-month initiative designed to inspire and empower high school students from Tallahatchie, Leflore and Sunflower counties.
This council seeks to engage students in exploring the legacy of Emmett Till while equipping them with tools to advocate for social justice and meaningful change in their communities.
The ETIC Youth Advisory Council will provide students with the opportunity to visit historic sites, learn from civil rights leaders, and develop leadership and advocacy skills. Through workshops, field trips and collaborative projects, members will deepen their understanding of Emmett Till’s story and its relevance to modern-day struggles for justice and equality.
“This initiative is deeply personal for me,” said Jay Rushing, youth coordinator for the Emmett Till Interpretive Center and a former high school student from Cleveland, Mississippi. “Growing up in the Delta, I’ve always loved this region and its history. I know how transformative it can be for young people to see themselves as part of the ongoing narrative of change. This council is about giving them a voice and a platform to carry Emmett Till’s legacy forward.”
The launch of the ETIC Youth Advisory Council comes during the 70th anniversary of Emmett Till’s murder, a moment of reflection and recommitment to the principles of justice and equality that his story represents. By engaging students in the Mississippi Delta, the program aims to inspire the next generation to lead with purpose and passion.
Participants in the Emmett Till Youth Advisory Council will embark on field trips to sites of historical significance, including the Emmett Till Interpretive Center and the newly established Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument. They will engage in workshops designed to enhance their leadership, advocacy, and storytelling skills, while also connecting with local and national civil rights leaders. Through creative projects, they will have the opportunity to share the story of Emmett Till and uplift the sacrifice of Mamie Till-Mobley and their enduring importance to wider audiences.
The Emmett Till Interpretive Center invites parents, educators and community members to encourage young people to apply and participate in this transformative program. Together, the center and the youth of the Delta aim to honor Emmett Till’s memory by creating a brighter and more equitable future. The application deadline is Jan. 31, 2025.
For more information about the Emmett Till Youth Advisory Council, including how to apply or support the program, contact Jay Rushing at apply@emmett-till.org.
