Hey y'all, welcome to Biscuits and Jam from Southern Living.

I'm your host, Sid Evans, and in this episode, I'm talking with a Mississippi-Delton native

whose recent book explores one of the most infamous and horrible crimes in the history of the South.

Wright-Thompson grew up in Clarksdale, Mississippi,

before going on to write for ESPN,

the Atlantic, and the New York Times,

among other publications.

In 2018, he created the travel documentary show True South,

which is now in its eighth season on the SEC Network,

and in 2020, he came out with a terrific book called Papyland,

a story of family, fine bourbon, and The Things That Last.

Writes latest book, The Barn, The Secret History of a Murder in Mississippi,

examines the lasting impact of the brutal murder of 14-year-old Emmett Till in 1955, as well as the extraordinary

efforts by some to obscure or distort the facts. It's one of the best things I've read in a long

time, incredibly well researched and reported and told with the insights that only a

Mississippian could bring to the story.

We'll discuss all that, plus the remarkable journey of Emmett Till's cousin, Wheeler Parker,

who was there the night of the abduction, the strong connection between the Mississippi Delta and Chicago,

and why it took so many decades for the secrets of this horrendous crime to come to light.

All in this week's Biscuits and Jam.

Wright, Thompson. Welcome to Biscuits and Jam.

Thank you very, very much. Where am I reaching you?

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