releases: https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=1a4de372-c78d-46f1-ac29-705bfdf28aef
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| https://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=1a4de372-c78d-46f1-ac29-705bfdf28aef | COCHRAN HONORS CIVIL RIGHTS SACRIFICES, PROGRESS AT EMMETT TILL CEREMONY | 2014-11-17 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Republican | House | MS | Thad Cochran | C000567 | www.cochran.senate.gov | legacy | PHOTO available below (from left) - Eugene Robinson of the Washington Post, Janet Langhart Cohen, Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), Attorney General Eric Holder, Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), and Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss). WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today participated in a tree planting ceremony to honor the life of Emmett Till, whose death in 1955 propelled the nation toward landmark civil rights laws. The sycamore tree honoring Till was planted on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol and was sponsored by U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine). Among the participants were U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Representative John Lewis (D-Ga.), Attorney General Eric Holder and Janet Langhart Cohen, author of the play "Anne and Emmett." In his remarks, Cochran honored Till and praised the progress made by Mississippi and the nation in advancing racial justice. Here is the text of Cochran’s remarks for the ceremony: “We are pleased to join Senator Susan Collins today to commemorate the important life of Emmett Till through the planting of a tree in his honor on the grounds of the United States Capitol. “It has been nearly 60 years since Emmett Till was murdered near Money, Mississippi, but we remember the role his life and tragic death played in heightening America’s awareness of the injustice of racial discrimination in our country. “Many historians point to Emmett Till’s death as having ignited the civil rights movement, and ultimately led to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. “Emmett Till’s legacy carries with it memories of the risks so many took in my state, and elsewhere, in efforts to advance the cause of racial justice. This tree is a symbol of their sacrifices, too. “I am proud of the progress my state and our nation have made since those times, and I appreciate the contributions of so many leaders who made it possible. We do still face challenges, but I am hopeful that Emmett Till’s life, and this tree planted in his honor, will serve as reminders to all of where we’ve been and to be dedicated to justice for all through our examples now and in the future of the United States.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |