The Journey to Chatham: Why Emmett Till?s Murder Changed America, a personal story

by Arthur L. Miller

A story about America in its pre-civil rights struggle, and how the brutal murder of an innocent Chicago boy forced the country to face its own ugliness. The impact of Emmett Till's brutal murder is told from the perspective of his neighborhood friends and who he was before he became an unwilling symbol of the horror of racial hatred. His courageous mother, Mrs. Mamie (Till) Bradley, exhibited her strength and sense of justice when she refused to allow her son's casket to be closed for the funeral. The truth of what happened to her son was not only etched on his bloated and broken face but on the conscience of the country's psyche.

Genres: History

148 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2005

Reviews

[NCHS Library]

Publisher's Description: A story about America in its pre-civil rights struggle, and how the brutal murder of an innocent Chicago boy forced the country to face its own ugliness. The impact of Emmett Till's brutal murder is told from the perspective of his neighborhood friends and who he was before he became an unwilling symbol of the horror of racial hatred. His courageous mother, Mrs. Mamie (Till) Bradley, exhibited her strength and sense of justice when she refused to allow her son's casket to be closed for the funeral. The truth of what happened to her son was not only etched on his bloated and broken face but on the conscience of the country's psyche.

[Saul · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book that places an ordinary childhood in context around extraordinary events. Art Miller grew up working alongside Emmett Till in the garden of former long-time Negro League third baseman Dave Malarcher. Here, he recounts the stories of a neighborhood in Chicago and of an America waking up to the cold hard reality of racism and the hate it fosters. He somehow manages to do so with a whole lot of love.

[Debbi Amador · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unique and personal perspective

[Griffin B]

Q3- Non-Ficiton

[Kendra Haggerty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very quick read, half an hour. Interesting take on a tumultuous time in our history.