Emmett Till’s family speaks with WUVS 103.7 The Beat!
Radio Interview with Airickca Gordon-Taylor, Founding Director & Till Family Representative
The Family of Emmett Till on LilWayne
The Family of Emmett Till issued the following Press Release in regards to our announcement to Pull Lil’ Wayne & Rick Ross from rotation.
In 1955, Emmett Till wasn’t the first victim of racism and tortuous lynchings in Mississippi but his mother, Mamie Till Mobley, illuminated the heinous crimes committed against blacks by having an open casket funeral. Almost 58 years later, the legacy of Emmett Till remains a source of illumination, highlighting the trending effect of iniquitous lyrics manipulating the minds of OUR impressionable children.
We continuously receive notifications from citizens residing in other states informing that they continue to hear Lil Wayne’s “Karate Chop Remix”, inclusive of our beloved Emmett Till’s name, on the radio. The song exploded virally over the internet and continues to damage the memory and legacy of Emmett Till. Therefore I was pleased to read the article in XXL by Sean Ryon, entitled: Lil Wayne & Rick Ross Banned From Radio Station Over Lyrical Content stating:
“One radio station announced that they will not play either rapper’s music until apologies are issued. Michigan’s WUVS-LP 103.7
announced today that it is banning Weezy and Rozay’s music over recent controversial lyrics. The station released a statement
saying that Lil Wayne’s line about the slain Emmett Till from the remix of Future’s “Karate Chop” and Ross’ more recent line from
Rocko’s “U.O.E.N.O.” about date rape prompted the refusal to play their music.”
We applaud WUVS-LP 103.7 for taking a stand, publicly expressing opposition and demonstrating the right thing to do. This isn’t about a massive boycott but about mobilization! It’s not about censorship but responsibility! It’s about launching a movement in the hearts of artists in the industry! WUVS-LP 103.7’s resistance set the precedent for imitation by other stations, label executives, distributors, endorsers, and the community. We must unite or we are as guilty as the rappers contributing to the degradation of values in our communities. While lyricists have rights to creative control, their interpretations must respect boundaries conveying respect for women, children, men, and historical preservation.
While Lil Wayne remains silent, an apology is the least of what our family desired. We are dedicated to developing Emmett Till Ambassadors of Peace globally through education and empowerment. We are committed to erupting an awakening of our youth to spark social change and instill the value that no matter your age, race, and geographical location you are HuMAN!
You hesitate to stab me with a word, and know not – silence is the sharper sword.
~ Samuel Johnson ~
Airickca Gordon-Taylor, Founding Director & Till Family Representative
ww.MamieTillMobleyFoundation.org | MamieTillMobley@gmail.com | (585)OUR-TILL/687-8455 | Twitter: @EmmettTillTalks