You’re Invited: Emmett Till 85th Birthday Commemoration Dinner – July 31, 2026
Dear Friends,
I hope this message finds you well.
It is my honor to invite you to join us for a historic evening as the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley Institute commemorates what would have been Emmett Till’s 85th Birthday with a special Commemoration Dinner on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Home Court venue of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago.
As our nation celebrates the 250th Anniversary of the United States, this gathering will provide an opportunity to reflect on the ideals of liberty, justice, democracy, and the pursuit of happiness—the very promise that every child should be afforded.
Under the evening’s theme, “Emmett Till: Pursuit of Happiness,” we will honor Emmett not only as a symbol of the Civil Rights Movement, but as a fourteen-year-old Chicago boy whose dreams, promise, and future were unjustly taken.
We will also celebrate the extraordinary courage of his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, whose determination transformed personal tragedy into a movement that changed America.
The evening is expected to feature an extraordinary program with invited dignitaries, nationally recognized civic and cultural leaders, and special guests.
Highlights include presentations from the High School Student Interns of the Till Institute Summer Academy and a conversation with Rev. Wheeler Parker Jr., Emmett Till’s cousin and the last living witness to Emmett’s kidnapping, along with other inspiring tributes that honor this remarkable legacy.
I invite you to stand with us by becoming a sponsor, purchasing a table for your family, friends, colleagues, or organization, or by purchasing individual tickets to attend this unforgettable evening.
Please use the link below to:
- Become an event sponsor
- Purchase a sponsored table
- Purchase individual tickets
- Learn more about the event
Emmett Till: The Pursuit of Happiness An 85th Birthday Commemoration Dinner
Your presence and support will help ensure that the story of Emmett Till continues to educate, inspire, and challenge future generations to build a more just and equitable society.
Thank you for your friendship, your continued support, and your commitment to preserving one of the most important legacies in American history. I look forward to welcoming you on July 31.
With gratitude,
David A. Day,
DIRECTOR – PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT & PROGRAMS
THE EMMETT TILL & MAMIE TILL-MOBLEY INSTITUTE
773.814.3283
https://tillinstitute.org