On November 10, The Clinton School Center on Community Philanthropy sponsored a community conversation in Sumner, MS concerning the future of the Emmett Till Multipurpose Complex in Tallahatchie County, MS. Forty Tallahatchie County residents attended the community dialogue to discuss ideas for future activities and programs for the building to house. Second year Clinton School students Katherine Brown, Melvin Clayton, and Akaylah Jones facilitated the dialogue.
The Emmett Till Multipurpose Complex, a county building, has been vacant for four years. Two community leaders, Jessie Jaynes and Patrick Weems, have come forth to organize the community to voice opinions about the re-opening of the building to benefit the community.
“The Center is proud to support these community leaders in Tallahatchie County,”said Dr. Charlotte Williams, Director of the Center on Community Philanthropy. “Gathering input from all residents is necessary and a practice of community philanthropy we encourage.”
At the gathering, community members expressed hope that building will re-open to offer services for the betterment of Tallahatchie County residents.
“Our first meeting was a monumental success,”said Jessie Jaynes, Tallahatchie County community leader. “To have such a diverse cross-section of our community come together and participate in such wonderful spirit was simply inspiring.”
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Sumner, MS was the place of the 1955 trial of the kidnap and murder of 14 year old Emmett Till. The county courthouse has recently been restored to the way it looked during the 1955 trial, where J.W. Milam and Roy Bryant were acquitted of the charges, later confessing to the kidnap and murder.
The Clinton School Center on Community Philanthropy promotes the giving of time, talent, and treasure for lasting positive change in the Arkansas and Mississippi Delta. You can learn more at www.clintonschool.uasys.edu/community-philanthropy.