Emmett Till’s Family Commends Mountain Dew For Dropping Lil Wayne

The family of Emmett Till is applauding Mountain Dew for dropping Lil Wayne as a sponsor and calling the soda maker’s decision monumental. As recently reported, Weezy was given his walking papers over his lyrics about Till in his verse on the remix of Future’s “Karate Chop.” Last week they threatened to go after the rapper's sponsers, prompting Lil Wayne to apologize. But the damage had already been done. Now, in a statement by the family’s foundation to AllHipHop, members from Till’s camp are commending the decision.

“Back in February, when I first heard the lyrics, I was in utter shock, disappointment and sadness,” said Airickca Gordon-Taylor, Executive Director of Mamie Till Mobley Foundation. “Just as Mamie Till Mobley didn’t endure the pain of losing Emmett Till alone, many people have stood in solidarity with our family, even if it wasn’t the most popular stand to take."

She added, “The road less traveled is surely not the easiest but standing for your principles provides the endurance needed to fight for human and civil rights. This decision was monumental, we commend Mountain Dew for taking action towards better social responsibility, and now I finally feel that we can exhale and focus on our beloved Mamie Till Mobley’s charge. Let’s get on with the business of positive thinking and living”

Simeon Wright who was a witness to Till's kidnapping had this to say about Mountain Dew’s decision. “This is beyond my expectations, I’m pleased that it happened and it shouldn’t waited for public outcry. Anything that belittles or degrades the memory of Emmett Till shouldn’t be in the public square,” Wright said. “Racism is still out there. Whatever you listen too, whatever you do, get an education. Don’t let this system destroy you.”