In recognition of Black History Month, Camden County College welcomed award-winning filmmaker Keith Beauchamp to its Blackwood Campus on February 19 for a free screening and discussion of Till, the 2022 Gotham Award-winning drama that explores the true story of Mamie Till-Mobley’s relentless pursuit of justice after the brutal lynching of her 14-year-old son, Emmett.
The lynching of Emmett Till is often considered the spark that ignited the Civil Rights movement, “before there wasRosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr., there was Emmett Till,” remarked Beauchamp, as the audience discussion began.
After first learning of the story of Emmett Till when he was 10 years old, and after his own experiences with racial injustice throughout his early adult years, Beauchamp dedicated his life to telling Emmett’s story and getting justice for him, and his mother Mamie, who became a mentor to Beauchamp until her death in 2003 at the age of 81.
In August 1955, while visiting family, Emmett was accused by Carolyn Bryant, a white woman, of making advances toward her. Less than four days later, Emmett was kidnapped and murdered by Bryant’s husband, Roy Bryant, and his half-brother, J.W. Milam, who were later acquitted by an all-white, all-male jury. Beauchamp, who co-wrote and co-produced Till, shared insights into its creation and impact with students, faculty, staff, and members of the community, as well as the results of the decades of research he conducted that prompted the U.S. Department of Justice to reopen Emmett’s case.
During the audience-led discussion, Jeremiah Pratt, a business administration major in his first year at CCC, askedBeauchamp how he managed to turn the dark tragedy of Emmett Till’s murder into a story of purpose. Beauchamp emphasized the importance of shifting the narrative beyond the infamous photograph of Emmett’s mutilated body. “We saw the photograph, but we never knew the person behind it,” he said. “This was a human story of a mother’s love for her son and the strength that fueled her fight for justice.” Beauchamp’s remarks reinforced the idea that the lessons of the past are crucial in shaping a more just and equitable future for all.
“This was a wonderful opportunity for students to not only view an incredibly important film but to hear firsthand from someone working in the film industry and making a real difference when it comes to getting justice for Emmett Till,” said Ed McDonnell, Commissioner Deputy Director and liaison to Camden County College.
The screening and discussion underscored the power of film as an educational tool.
“Given that it is Black History Month, this screening could not have been timelier,” Commissioner Jonathan Young said. “The story of Emmett Till is one that must never be forgotten and films such as this are educating new generations so his memory will live on forever.”
As attendees left the screening and discussion, a somber understanding lingered in the air. They carried with them anewfound appreciation for the impact of Emmett and Mamie, and the responsibility to ensure that stories like theirs are never forgotten.
