A Miscarriage of Justice: The Acquittal of Emmett Till’s Murderers

On the 70th anniversary of one of the most unjust verdicts in American legal history, the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter, generously supported by sponsor K&L Gates, invites you to a timely and thought-provoking program.

The event will feature a screening of Trial in the Delta: The M**der of Emmett Till, a recorded theater production by Collaboraction. The performance reenacts the 1955 trial of State of Mississippi v. Roy Bryant and J.W. Milam in Sumner, Mississippi. With dialogue drawn directly from trial transcripts, actors bring to life the witnesses, attorneys, and proceedings that culminated in a verdict that shocked the nation and galvanized the civil rights movement.

Following the screening, a panel of distinguished speakers will reflect on the trial’s legacy, its impact on the African American community, and the enduring lessons for today’s legal profession:

• Hon. Arlander Keys (Ret.), former U.S. Magistrate Judge and Mississippi native, will provide context on the events leading to the trial, the community’s response to the verdict, the challenges he faced as he rose to the federal bench, and the lessons attorneys can take from his journey.

• Anthony Moseley, Artistic Director of Collaboraction and co-creator of Trial in the Delta, will discuss the inspiration behind the project, its relevance 70 years later, and practical tools attorneys can use to identify bias and foster empathy-driven dialogue.

• J. Bryan Wood, Attorney at Kaplan Law Firm, PLLC, will moderate the discussion, adding legal-historical context and offering guidance for practitioners navigating bias in today’s legal system and their client interactions.

This interactive program will encourage both panelists and audience members to reflect on the screening, share perspectives, and explore ways to reduce bias in the legal profession and in our communities.

This event includes light snacks and beverages. Attendees will receive 1 hour Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) CLE credit (pending approval).

Info: Legal & Historical Events Leading Up To And After The Trial;
Impact of Trial On A Polarized And Divided Community And Country;
Biases Within The Legal System That Prevented The Accused From Being Brought To Justice;
Biases Impact On Efforts To Advance Civil Rights;
Strategies for Effective Communication To Overcome Biases;
Lessons Applicable To Present Day Polarized Communities And Country To Help Reduce Biases In The Legal System And Community.

Host or Publisher Federal Bar Association, Chicago Chapter