Wright Thompson On Uncovering the Hidden Truths of Emmett Till's Murder

Join Michael in his conversation with Wright Thompson about his new book, The Barn: The Secret History of a Murder in Mississippi, a revelatory account of the murder of Emmett Till and the social, economic, and political pressures that made this tragedy inevitable. In this episode of That Said, Michael, and Wright delve into the untold truths of one of America’s most infamous crimes, exploring its haunting legacy and the broader forces that shaped it.

Wright Thompson, senior writer for ESPN, contributing writer for The Atlantic, and New York Times bestselling author of Pappyland and The Cost of These Dreams, brings a uniquely personal lens to this story. A native of Mississippi, Wright grew up just 23 miles from the site of Till’s murder, yet he left for college before learning the full story—a narrative still shrouded in silence and deliberate obfuscation.

In The Barn, Thompson uncovers the deeply hidden truths about this horrific event, revealing that the crime was not just the work of two men but involved a broader, more sinister network. He meticulously maps the intersection of property, power, and systemic racism that made the murder of 14-year-old Emmett Till not only possible but, in the context of the times, chillingly inevitable.

This conversation goes beyond the historical account to explore the enduring impact of the crime on American society, the ongoing fight for justice, and the implications for our collective future. Join Michael and Wright as they confront America’s darkest truths and the long road ahead to understanding and reconciliation.