DuBuclet Bill to Establish Emmett Till Day in Illinois Passes House

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.– State Rep. Kimberly DuBuclet, D-Chicago, is honoring the life of Emmett Till and the pivotal role his life had on the Civil Rights Movement by passing legislation out of the House that recognizes Till’s birthday as a commemorative holiday.

“To say that it is rewarding to pass legislation that honors Emmett Till, a young boy who grew up right here in our community, would be an understatement,” DuBuclet said. “Suffering into strength is what his mother embodied upon his brutal death in 1955, making the brave decision to show the world firsthand the cruel truth of racial violence in America as her son's mutilated body laid on full display for the world to see at Robert’s Temple Church of God in Christ, also in our community.”

DuBuclet passed House Bill 2755, which recognizes July 25 as Emmett Till Day. DuBuclet hopes that his birthday can be celebrated and be used as a day to have tough and uncomfortable conversations on racial injustices and inequities in America.

“Extreme white supremacists abducted, heinously murdered and lynched Emmett Till. The country was left in a fury, giving fuel to the modern-day Civil Rights Movement and shaping our fight for justice and equality 70 years later,” DuBuclet said. “We are living in a country where extremist politicians are doing everything they can to erase the history of Black and Brown people, which makes it more important for us to stand firm and be even louder when it comes to our story. We will never, ever forget it.” 

DuBuclet’s Bill passed the House and awaits consideration in the Senate.