On the last day of July, community members from across Chicago and beyond are invited to gather for a special evening: The Emmett Till 85th Birthday Commemorative Dinner held at the Obama Presidential Center – Home Court on July 31st, will honor the life of the 14-year-old Chicagoan whose tragic murder became a catalyst for the modern Civil Rights Movement while celebrating the enduring power of remembrance, justice, and community.
More than seven decades after Emmett Till’s murder, his story continues to inspire generations to confront injustice and build a more equitable future. This commemorative gathering will offer an evening of fellowship, reflection, artistic expression, and shared purpose, bringing together civic leaders, educators, artists, advocates, and community members committed to preserving his legacy.
“Emmett Till’s life forever changed the course of American history,” says Christopher Benson, executive board member of The Till Institute. “As we mark what would have been his 85th birthday, we are reminded that remembrance is not simply about looking back. It is about recommitting ourselves to creating the just and compassionate society that Mamie Till-Mobley envisioned through her extraordinary courage.”
At a time when people are working overtime to erase our story, we will consider Emmett Till’s continuing challenge to fulfill the promise of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness during July, connecting the 85th birthday of Emmett Till and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The commemorative dinner serves as both a tribute and a call to action, recognizing the profound impact Emmett Till’s story continues to have on conversations surrounding racial justice, civil rights, and historical memory.
The evening will feature:
- A powerfully impacting dinner event prepared by a James Beard Award-winning Chef James Sanders, (Fuse Hyde Park Hospitality and Sanders Barbeque Supply Co.): A culinary experience from Chicago to Mississippi.
- Fireside-style chat featuring Rev. Dr. Wheeler Parker of Argo Temple Church of God In Christ (friend and cousin of the late Emmett Till)
- Commentary from special guests Jr, Mayor Brandon Johnson, Senator Tammy Duckworth, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and others
- Live music with performances curated by The Jazz Institute.
- Screening of dramatic excerpts from the acclaimed play, “A Trial in the Delta: The Murder of Emmett Till,” adapted from the Emmett Till murder trial transcript by Collaboraction Theatre Company
Event Details
What: Emmett Till 85th Birthday Commemorative Dinner
When: July 31, 2026 – 6pm
Where: Obama Presidential Center – Home Court | 6001 S. Stony Island Avenue
Tickets: https://tillinstitute.org/
Ticket Levels:
General Admission – $200 (Access to General Reception, One seat in General seating section at the 85th Birthday Commemoration Dinner, One event Swag Bag)
VIP Ticket – Access to VIP Reception – $300 (One seat in VIP seating section at the 85th Birthday Commemoration Dinner, One event Swag Bag which includes a FIRST EDITION book that will be autographed by Rev. Dr. Parker during the reception.
Group and sponsorship level ticket information available at https://www.ticketfalcon.com/e/emmett85/.
Proceeds from this event support Till Institute’s continued effort to increase public understanding of future challenges through open, inclusive dialogue based on contemporary and historical research. This work encourages civic engagement and enlightened public decision-making to support a just, fair, and balanced public agenda.
About Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley Institute
The Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley Institute, a non-profit organization, is engaged in education, research and social justice advocacy. We are dedicated to preserving the memory and historical significance of the life and death of Emmett Louis Till, and preserving the social action legacy of his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, to foster educational opportunities and civic engagement among youth. Our focus is on funding research, education and public programs aimed at encouraging enlightened participation in the democratic process and working to build and maintain a civil society.
