SUMNER — In honor of what would have been Emmett Till’s 85th birthday on July 25, the Emmett Till Interpretive Center and community partners are hosting a youth commemorative bike ride from 4 to 7:30 p.m. on the square in Sumner.
In addition to the ride, tours will be available of the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument.
Community members can also enjoy live music, art-making activities and light refreshments.
The event is part of a series of commemoration activities organized by the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA). Last year, NPCA led a “Journey of Remembrance” during which youth visited locations connected to Emmett Till’s story, with some learning about the history for the first time.
This year’s bike ride builds on that momentum from last year. In the weeks leading up to July 25, various youth groups will visit the Till National Monument, and youth ambassadors will have the chance to speak about Emmett’s childhood with Rev. Wheeler Parker, Emmett’s cousin and the last living eyewitness to the kidnapping. Two Tallahatchie County youth in conversation with Rev. Parker are 14 and 16, the same ages Emmett and Wheeler were in the summer of 1955.
“By learning both local history and the legacy of youth leadership, today’s young people can see themselves as part of that continuum, not just as learners, but as leaders,” said Mechelle Chane, Civil Rights Era fellow for NPCA. “It reinforces that they have the power to influence their communities, carry stories forward, and create lasting change. As we honor Emmett Till’s life, we also recognize the enduring importance of youth leadership in carrying this history forward.”
For the July 25 bike ride, a limited number of bikes will be available for youth between the ages of 9 and 18 to take part. Youth may also bring their own bike or scooter to ride.
All youth interested in participating in the ride must register by July 20 and have a parent or guardian sign a completed waiver.
Space in the bike ride is limited on a first-come, first-served basis.
Support for the bike ride is courtesy of the Emmett Till Interpretive Center, the National Parks Conservation Association, the Mississippi Delta National Heritage Area, Hydro Productions, We2Gether Creating Change, Friends of the Environment, and SALUTEtions, LLC.
Contact info@emmett-till.org with any questions and find full details about the event, including registration, here.
Author Matt Switliski is the Development and Communications senior associate for the Emmett Till Interpretive Center in Sumner.
