White House Adviser Urges Eisenhower to Publicly Address the Emmett Till Case (1955)

Date: November 22, 1955

Created By: E. Frederic Morrow

Original or Replica: Original

Era: Civil Rights, The Presidency

Collection: Eisenhower Presidential Library

Citations: E. Frederic Morrow Records, Box 10, Civil Rights Official Memoranda, 1956-55; NAID #12224529

This memorandum was written by E. Frederic Morrow, Administrative Officer for the White House Special Projects Group and the first African American executive officer on the White House staff, on November 22, 1955. Drawing on his previous experience as a field secretary for the NAACP, Morrow warns that the national reaction to the murder of Emmett Till has created growing racial tensions that could have serious consequences if left unaddressed. He urges the Eisenhower administration to recognize the significance of the moment and take visible leadership on the issue.

Morrow argues that although the Department of Justice was investigating possible federal violations, many Americans believed the White House had remained too silent. He describes mounting anger within African American communities, the rise of the White Citizens’ Councils, and increasing fears of racial violence. To ease tensions, Morrow recommends that President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Sherman Adams, or Vice President Richard Nixon convene a meeting with prominent African American leaders to demonstrate the administration’s concern and commitment to racial justice.