Mountain Dew announced last week that they were parting ways with Lil Wayne over his controversial lyrics about Emmett Till.
PepsiCo, Mountain Dew's parent company said in a statement late Friday that Wayne's "offensive reference to a revered civil rights icon does not reflect the values of our brand."
Till's family is pleased with the company's decision. In the weeks leading up to it they had been hoping the soft drink giant would cut Wayne loose.
Over the weekend they issued a statement to AllHipHop.
“Back in February, when I first heard the lyrics, I was in utter shock, disappointment and sadness. Just as Mamie Till Mobley didn’t endure the pain of losing Emmett Till alone, many people have stood in solidarity with our family, even if it wasn’t the most popular stand to take," said Airickca Gordon-Taylor, Executive Director of Mamie Till Mobley Foundation. "The road less traveled is surely not the easiest but standing for your principles provides the endurance needed to fight for human and civil rights. This decision was monumental, we commend Mountain Dew for taking action towards better social responsibility, and now I finally feel that we can exhale and focus on our beloved Mamie Till Mobley’s charge. Let’s get on with the business of positive thinking and living."
“This is beyond my expectations, I’m pleased that it happened and it shouldn’t waited for public outcry. Anything that belittles or degrades the memory of Emmett Till shouldn’t be in the public square,” said Simeon Wright, an eyewitness to Till's 1955 kidnapping. “Racism is still out there. Whatever you listen too, whatever you do, get an education. Don’t let this system destroy you."
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