Freedom Fund Banquet 2002

Freedom Fund Banquet

The NAACP Annual Freedom Fund Banquet took place on September 27, 2002.  The next banquet will be held on September 26, 2003.  The guest speaker at the 2002 banquet was Mamie-Till Mobley.  Here is her biography.

Mamie Til Mobley is an active member of the Evangelistic Crusaders C.O.G.I.C., 
9046 S. Cottage Grove Avenue, Chicago, IL.. She is one of the seven members which founded this church in May 1973 under the pastorate of Elder George Liggins.  She was named church/secretary. She is the past president of the Secretarial and Broadcast staff and was an adult Sunday School Teacher.  She still holds the positions of Missionary, Notary Public, Trustee, member of the Board of Directors, and member of the Mother's Board.  She is yet functioning as the Founder and Director of The Emmett Till Players.

In January 1973, while teaching at Carter Elementary School, she trained the first group of 14 children to recite excerpts from Dr. King's sermons and speeches.  The effect was so startling that she began training a group within the church also.  Over a period of ten years, she notice the children's behavioral changes, renewed interest in academics and a tremendous growth of self-worth.  Between school and church, more than 400 young people have been taught by her and have become productive your people in all walks of life, particularly within the church body.

Following the death of her only child, Emmett Louis Till, on August 28, 1955, Mrs. Mobley entered Chicago Teachers College in September 1956, graduating Cum Laude 3 1/2 years later and number five in her class.  Assigned to Carter Elementary School in 1960, she saw the need to continuer her education, earning a Masters Degree in Administration and Supervision at Loyola University.  By 1975, she had earned an additional 46 hours to her credit.

Her employment spanned more than 45 years: 1936-41 - domestic worker; 1941-43 - Coffey School of Aeronautics; 1943-56 - federal government; 1956- 60 - Chicago Teachers College; 1960-83 - Chicago Board of Education.

Mrs. Mobley speaks throughout the country, recalling the struggle for civil rights, and urging her listeners to be "the best that they can be."  The Emmett Till Players often accompany her in her travels.  Her work spans the entire year.  Many of the children make their debut at age 4, rapidly absorbing the need to become serious scholars, devoted Christians, loyal Americans and the need to use their leisure time in a productive manner.

Visit The American Experience: 
The Murder of Emmitt Till on PBS