ABC Orders Women of the Movement Limited Series

ABC has commissioned the limited series Women of the Movement, which will chronicle the story of Mamie Till Mobley’s search for justice for her son Emmett Till.

The series will be comprised of six episodes centering on Till Mobley, who devoted her life to seeking justice for her son following his brutal murder in the Jim Crow South. The series is inspired by the book Emmett Till: The Murder That Shocked the World and Propelled the Civil Rights Movement by Devery S. Anderson. It is slated to debut in 2021.

Produced by Kapital Entertainment, Women of the Movement is created by Marissa Jo Cerar, who will also serve as a writer and showrunner. The first episode will be directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood.

Karey Burke, president of ABC Entertainment, said: “Today marks 65 years since the tragic murder of 14-year-old Emmett Till. This limited series will shine a light on the determined pursuit of justice by Emmett’s mother, Mamie Till Mobley. Their story involves inconceivable heartbreak and brutality but also the enduring love of a mother and her son, galvanizing a movement that carved the path for today’s racial justice movement. We are honored to be bringing their story to ABC backed by an all-star producing team.”

Marissa Jo Cerar said: “I am thrilled to bring this project to television. It is unfortunately very timely, and my hope is to give the audience a chance to learn who Emmett Till really was—the boy, rather than the victim or the martyr—while also showcasing Mamie’s astonishing strength in the face of a mother’s worst nightmare. Telling Emmett and Mamie’s story is a responsibility I have not taken lightly since I began this journey last year, because this is more than a tragedy; it’s a story about a mother’s unwavering love of her son and her commitment to bettering the lives of all Black people. I can’t wait to start filming. With the brilliant Gina Prince-Bythewood as our director, we could not be in better hands.”

Gina Prince-Bythewood said: “The story of Emmett Till and Mamie Till is not one I want to tell. It is a story I need to tell. I am grateful to be on this journey with incredible collaborators who are determined to honor this mother and son with truth, authenticity and humanity.”