Converge Media journeys back to the South: Mississippi Delta
Converge Media is back in the South on a #PartneredPilgrimage with Seattle’s Choose 180 and Sankofa Impact. We are documenting the trip as a group of nearly 30 individuals from The Emerald City experience history and culture in New Orleans, The Mississippi Delta, Memphis, Selma, Montgomery, and Atlanta along the way, the group will meet with and learn from Civil Rights foot soldiers and activists working in their communities today.
We will be documenting our film crew’s experiences in each city as we go. Stay tuned for updates on the film.
#SankofaImpact #ichoose180 #BlackHistory #SharedHistory #Seattle #freedom #BlackLivesMatter #BlackHistoryMatters #collectiveliberation #BlackMediaMatters #WWConvergeDay 2 #ConvergeOnTheRoad
Philadelphia, Mississippi
The day began in Philadelphia, Mississippi - the site of the Freedom Summer murders. The victims, James Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner, were in town during the summer of 1964 registering Black individuals to vote. After just a brief time in Philadelphia, which included a speech at this church (Mount Zion United Methodist Church) as well as an investigation into the burning of the church, the three were murdered by the KKK who worked in association with law enforcement. Outside the church stands markers honoring Chaney, Goodman and Schwerner.
Money, Mississippi - The site of the Emmett Till murder
Bryant’s Grocery Store and Meat Market
Our next stop was in Money, Mississippi to visit the site of Bryant’s Grocery store. In 1955, 14 year old Emmett Till was visiting family near Money when he went to Bryant’s Grocery and Meat Market with his cousin to buy some candy. After exiting, he allegedly whistled at Carolyn Bryant, the proprietor of the store. Three nights later, he was kidnapped from his uncles house and murdered. The murderers were found not guilty by an all white jury less than a month later.
Tallahatchie County Courthouse
Following the visit to Bryant’s Grocery, we visited the Tallahatchie County Courthouse. The courthouse was the site of the trial of Roy Bryant and J.W. Millam. The two men, who later admitted to murdering Till, were found not guilty by an all white jury less than a month after the murder. At the courthouse, the Choose 180 and Sankofa Impact groups met with leaders from the Emmett Till Interpretive Center who discussed the events and the impacts that transpired from them.
Emmett Till Historic Intrepid Center - ETHIC
The Emmett Till Historic Intrepid Center which is also known as the E.T.H.I.C. Museum was established in August of 2005 by Mayor Johnny B. Thomas. The Museum houses educational information about the past atrocities in hopes to make a brighter future and allow the healing to begin. This museum is the first and only museum dedicated to Emmett Till.
Ground Zero Blues Club
Ground Zero Blue Club
The final stop of the night was to the Morgan Freeman-owned Ground Zero Blues Club. The world-famous club features live music, great food and an eclectic mix of decorations. Everyone dined on local fare such as fried catfish and barbecue while listening to great music from a local legend. It was an uplifting end to a heavy day.
Evening Interview Session
We continued recording testimonials from Choose 180 team members as they experience this powerful journey. Make sure to stay tuned for updates on the film where you can hear their messages.
