BAY CITY, MI - A three-fold special event is planned for Black History Month in Bay City that focuses on the life, death and family of a Black teenager who was murdered in the 1950s.
That teenager was Emmett Till, who at the age of 14 was brutally murdered in 1955 for reportedly whistling at a white woman in Mississippi. A special reception and theatrical production will be held in homage of Till, whose death served as a catalyst for the civil rights movement of the time.
On Thursday, Feb. 16, an event titled “An Evening with a Civil Rights Icon” is scheduled for the DoubleTree Hotel Grand Ballroom in Bay City. The event will include a reception with the Rev. Wheeler Parker Jr.
Parker is the last remaining living witness to the kidnapping and abduction of Till, according to event organizers. Parker is also Till’s cousin. The reception will start at 6 p.m. and will be followed by dinner at 7 p.m.
Rev. Parker recently published a book titled “Till A Few Days Full of Trouble: Revelations on the Journey to Justice for My Cousin and Best Friend Emmett”. He will be available for book signings, autographs and photo opportunities from 6 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. that night.
Other festivities for Thursday night include remarks by elected officials and clergy members as well as talent performances from local youth. The event is scheduled to wrap up around 9:30 p.m.
Tickets for “An Evening with a Civil Rights Icon” with Rev. Parker can be purchased by calling 989-280-0114 or 405-821-2970.
But Rev. Parker’s visit to Bay City is not the only thing on the agenda for the weekend. Two special performances of the play “Still Emmett Till” will be performed at the Bay City Players Theatre, 1214 Columbus Ave. The performances will start at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 17 and Saturday, Feb. 18.
The play was written by Saginaw director B. Wendell Parker, who is another one of Till’s cousins. Click here to read more about Parker’s work on “Still Emmet Till.”
The play’s description from the Bay City Players reads:
“Still Emmett Till” is an original production with original script written and directed by local playwright, director, and actor, B. Wendell Parker. It is the true story of a black teenager from Chicago, IL who in the summer of 1955 accompanies his great uncle Moses and his first cousin Wheeler Parker Jr. on what was to be a two-week vacation. A vacation that would end in tragedy. This stage play examines the circumstances, bigotry, hate and the deplorable racism that would lead to an unthinkable and catastrophic conclusion. More importantly this stage play illustrates how some of those attitudes and actions unfortunately and sadly still exist in our society today.”
Tickets for “Still Emmett Till” are $21 for adults and $11 for students. The play is rated PG-13 and it includes graphic scenes and mild language.
More information as well as online tickets can be found at http://baycityplayers.org/pf/stillemmetttill/
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