Women of the Movement

I began watching this series the first night it was aired. However, it wasn't an easy decision. I felt like the subject of Emmet Till's death might be hard to watch play out on television. They have covered his death in other documentaries and in. Lovecraft Country but not as the primary focus. I was concerned with knowing the details and seeing how it happened play out on tv. It's still something that happens today with police brutality and disregard for colored life. I believe the writers and actors did an exceptional job so far by giving the situation the honor and respect that it deserves.

First of all, Adrienne Warren is an absolutely beautiful talented young lady, as was Mamie Till-Mobley. After watching this series, I do have to say that Adrienne's performance was outstanding.

Before every episode a warning is announced that states, "This content can be triggering due to historical and current-day traumatic experiences" Well, this statement could not have been more accurate. I was triggered right from the very beginning!

Fact: "Black newborn babies in the United States are more likely to survive childbirth if they are cared for by Black doctors, but three times more likely than white Babies to die when looked after by white doctors." The nonchalant attitudes of the nurse and doctor just pissed me off. You can only imagine how differently a white woman (especially during that time)would have been treated if she was possibly running a fever, sweating profusely, in great pain, and her water broke.

Anyway, there are many people that don't appreciate films such as this one. They will make negative comments about the acting and and deliberately submit poor ratings, but never once acknowledge anything about the heinous criminal act committed against Emmett Till by two racists.

Some of them are the same people that don't want their kids to be taught about critical race theory/race education in school.

There are still many who don't want this story to be told. This person had this to say at the end of his or her review. "Do not have enough to be really empathetic" Really?! No person of color in their right mind would write something like this. Just the thought of any innocent fourteen year old being kidnapped, savagely tortured, mutilated, lynched and shot in the head by racists should be enough to make anyone feel empathetic, regardless of how poorly you feel this tragic story was portrayed. What is even sadder, Emmett Till's memorial signs were vandalized several times; a couple of them riddled with bullet holes.

The plight of African-Americans was not the same as it is now. Yes, we still have inequities. We currently have the power to speak up. In that era, the lack of empathy, lack of concern & lack of understanding between the races was extremely high to say the least!

With that said, I loved this movie. Realistic acting, quality reenactments (as best as possible) and credibility given to our black history. They did what needed to be done.

Over the years I had come across the narrative of a black teenager who was killed for interacting with a white woman in the 50s and each time I was incredulous that this had happened. And now, after all this country has been through, it is important to understand the long-standing roots of this behavior. Bravo to ABC for bringing this important story of racism to its viewers. Kudos to the actors for their brave performances. Not everyone grieves by wailing over a casket, some do so by taking action. Don't expect the tears to come when you expect them to.

I was 8 years old when Emmitt Tills body was on display in the church on State Street in the 40th hundred block on State Street. My best friends father was a fire fighter in Chicago with 6 daughters. He put his daughters and myself in his 1954 Chevy and took us to the viewing. We stood in line and waited. I was to short to actually see him, so he lifted me up to get a full view. Ms. Mamie stood at the head of her sons casket and wailed continually wailed "Look what they did to my son." I will go to my grave with that picture imprinted on my brain and in my soul which has directed my life. My husband was a student at the school Emmitt attended. His death left a lasting impression on my generation. She was a inspiration in our community. We shared the same barber she was a force to be inspired by. God rest their souls and we need to to act with the strength she displayed.