Hazell Thomas on Money Moves a Nation, Emmett Till, and Teaching Civil Rights History to a New Generation

On this episode of the Big Time Talker Podcast, Burke Allen welcomes back award-winning author and educator Hazell Thomas to discuss Money Moves a Nation: A Civil Rights Lesson for Children and the personal history that inspired her to write it. Hazell grew up in Money, Mississippi, the small town connected to the 1955 murder of Emmett Till—an event that became a catalyst in the American Civil Rights Movement. Drawing on stories passed down by her parents and her own memories of growing up in the Mississippi Delta, Hazell set out to introduce this history to younger readers in an accessible and inspiring way. Through the story of fourth grader Jonah and his family trip to Money, Mississippi, the book connects multiple generations of one family to the history of the Civil Rights Movement. Hazell explains why she wanted children to understand not only the tragedy associated with the town, but also the broader history, culture, music, and people of the Mississippi Delta. The conversation also explores Hazell's journey from classroom teacher to award-winning author, the response Money Moves a Nation has received from schools and universities, and why she believes families should pass their histories and stories on to the next generation. At its heart, Hazell's message is simple: our stories matter, and history matters. This episode of Burke Allen’s Big Time Talker was recorded live in the great city of Chicago at the American Library Association Podcast Pavilion, thanks to the Next Generation Indy Book Awards, Headline Books and Speakermatch.com!