Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2021
Jan 5, 2023
Statute: 136 Stat. 6140
Became law: Jan 5, 2023
Jan 5, 2023
Statute: 136 Stat. 6140
Became law: Jan 5, 2023
Summary
Honors Emmett Till and his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, with a Congressional Gold Medal for their role in starting the civil rights movement.
What problem does this solve?
The brutal murder of Emmett Till and his mother's brave actions were key to the civil rights movement but lacked the highest national honor. This law awards them the Congressional Gold Medal to formally recognize their huge impact on American history and the fight for justice.
What does this law do?
Awards a Congressional Gold Medal
Authorizes the posthumous award of a Congressional Gold Medal to honor Emmett Till and his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley.
Gives the medal to a national museum
Mandates that the gold medal be given to the National Museum of African American History and Culture for display.
Specifies medal design
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to design and strike a gold medal featuring images and the names of Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley.
Who does this affect?
- The family and estate of Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Civil rights advocates and historians
What is the real world impact?
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Formal recognition of historical figures
Provides a way for Congress to formally honor Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley for their significant, yet tragic, contribution to the civil rights movement, solidifying their place in American history.
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Educates future generations
Places the medal in the National Museum of African American History and Culture to ensure the story of Emmett Till's murder and his mother's fight for justice continues to be told as a reminder of racial violence.
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Symbolic gesture against racial injustice
Acts as a symbolic statement by the U.S. government to acknowledge past racial injustices and the ongoing struggle for civil rights, condemning such atrocities at the highest level.
When does this start?
This law takes effect on January 5, 2023.