Final answer:
Mamie Till-Bradley, who would have turned 87 on May 28th had she not passed away, was a significant figure in the civil rights movement and is known for her reaction to her son Emmett Till's murder, which sparked national outrage and activism.
Step-by-step explanation:
If she had not died from injuries sustained in a 1997 house fire, activist and educator Mamie Till-Bradley would have turned 87 years old on May 28th. Till-Bradley became an iconic figure in the civil rights movement, especially known for her response to the tragic murder of her son, Emmett Till, in 1955. Her decision to have an open-casket funeral for Emmett allowed the world to witness the brutality of racism and his death became a catalyst for the civil rights movement. Additionally, Mamie Till-Bradley is recognized for her contributions to womanist scholarship and for defining Black womanhood amidst oppression through her courage and conviction.
Her actions inspired many and her prophetic voice mirrored those of other heroes of the movement like Fannie Lou Hamer. Much like Till-Bradley, Hamer was known for her powerful speeches, her willingness to sacrifice, and her fight for justice and freedom. Both women played pivotal roles in advancing the cause of civil rights and stand as figures of strength and resilience in the face of indescribable personal and collective tragedy.