Till's Murder And The Civil Rights Movement

Till’s murder was a very important event in the Civil Rights Movement because it awakened the nation and showed them the harsh reality African Americans are being forced to live. It showed everyone that innocent people are being brutally murdered simply because of the color of their skin. Innocent people that were supposed to grow up, have jobs, raise families, and live their own lives. Till was only fourteen when he was murdered. It was the breaking point for African Americans. The article says , “Many individuals who would go on to play leading roles in the Civil Rights Movement felt that Till’s death was the last straw.” The fact that Till was still a child when he was murdered made a huge different. It showed that Whites would not have
any mercy even on African American children. Carolyn Bryant, the woman Till was accused of harassing, confessed more than fifty years later that the story was false and she lied under oath. The text says, “... he was only recognizable only by the ring he wore.” I find this to be very horrifying. Till was beaten so bad the only way he was recognizable was his ring. This symbolizes the hatred Whites felt towards the African Americans. They were willing to lie and create a fake story and go to the extent of killing an innocent boy. After this event African Americans realized they needed to fight for their rights. They would no longer accept segregation and harsh treatment because of their skin color. This is why I think Till’s death was a very important event in the Civil Rights Movement.