Why Is This Happening? The Chris Hayes Podcast “The Barn: The Secret History of a Murder in Mississippi” with Wright Thompson
Dec 17, 2024
Wright Thompson, a senior writer for ESPN and author of "The Barn: The Secret History of a Murder in Mississippi," dives into the haunting legacy of Emmett Till's 1955 murder. He uncovers shocking truths often omitted from history, revealing personal connections and the broader societal implications. The conversation touches on Willie Reed's courageous testimony and the struggle against the 'big lie' that distorts memory. Thompson's insights challenge listeners to confront Mississippi's troubled past and its ongoing impact on contemporary identity and community.
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Family Ties to Mississippi
- Wright Thompson, from Clarksdale, Mississippi, discusses his family's farm 23 miles from Emmett Till's murder site.
- He explores his complex relationship with Mississippi, a place he both loves and hates.
Mississippi Delta: A History of Exploitation
- The Mississippi Delta, known for the blues, was a central point in the global cotton market.
- It was economically exploited, leaving behind a caste system and economic wreckage.
Cotton's Boom and Bust
- Cotton experienced a boom and bust cycle twice in the Mississippi Delta.
- The blues emerged during the last decline of cotton prices, which never recovered.
