Sumner, MS, USA
Patrick Weems
He co-founded the Summer Youth Institute, an experiential learning youth program for the William Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation. He also co-founded and serves as director of the Emmett Till Interpretive Center, which uses art and storytelling to share the Emmett Till tragedy, facilitate racial healing and point us toward a new future. A graduate of the University of Mississippi, Weems holds a master’s degree from the Center for the Study of Southern Culture. He was recently awarded a Fellowship from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
FEATURED WORK
In his current work, Weems was tasked with developing a historic site by highlighting the connection of the community of Money, Mississippi, to the story of Emmett Till, a 14-year old boy who was kidnapped and horrifically murdered in 1955 and whose death and memory catalyzed the modern Civil Rights Movement.-
Bryant's Grocery site of Emmett Till's interaction with Carolyn Bryant that led to his lynching in 1955. The store is now owned by a family that has decided to let it fall into disrepair.
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Fourth historical marker put up at Graball Landing site of where Emmett Till's body came out of the Tallahatchie River.
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Tallahatchie County Courthouse fully restored
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Rev. Wheeler Parker, Emmett Till's last living cousin who was with him in Mississippi in 1955, speaking at the dedication of the 4th marker
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