Born: October 6, 1917 (Montgomery County, Mississippi)
Died: March 14, 1977 (Mound Bayou, Mississippi)
Fannie Lou Hamer (née Townsend; October 6, 1917 – March 14, 1977) was a prominent American voting and women’s rights activist, community organizer, and a leader in the civil rights movement. She made significant contributions to the fight for racial and gender equality, working tirelessly to challenge the oppressive systems that disenfranchised African Americans in Mississippi.
Hamer was born on October 6, 1917, in Montgomery County, Mississippi, as the youngest of 20 children to Lou Ella and James Lee Townsend. In 1919, her family moved to Ruleville, Mississippi, to work as sharecroppers on W.D. Marlow’s plantation. Hamer experienced the hardships of poverty and racial discrimination from an early age. Her family’s struggle to make ends meet as sharecroppers would shape her commitment to fighting for justice and equality.
Despite facing adversities, Hamer was determined to pursue an education. Between picking seasons, she attended the one-room school that was provided for sharecroppers’ children during the winters from 1924 to 1930. Hamer excelled in academics, particularly in reading and poetry recitations. However, she had to leave school at the age of 12 to help support her parents.
Hamer’s life took a difficult turn when she contracted polio at the age of 13. Despite the physical challenges, she persevered, picking 200-300 pounds of cotton daily while battling the effects of the illness. Hamer’s deep faith and passion for learning led her to engage in Bible study at her church, where she honed her reading and interpretation skills.
Hamer’s journey as a civil rights activist began in 1962 when she attended a meeting led by the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). Inspired by the speakers and the call to action, she became actively involved in voter registration drives and community organizing efforts to empower African Americans.
Hamer faced numerous obstacles during her activism. She was subjected to threats, harassment, physical assaults, and shooting attempts, perpetrated by racists, including members of the police force. These attacks were a direct result of her relentless pursuit of voting rights for African Americans. Despite experiencing violence and intimidation, Hamer remained resilient, relying on her spirituality and the power of hymns and quotes to uplift and motivate herself and others.
In 1964, Hamer co-founded the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party (MFDP), serving as its vice-chair. The MFDP aimed to challenge the state’s all-white delegation at the Democratic National Convention. Hamer, along with other MFDP members, traveled to the convention to demand recognition and representation for African Americans. Although their efforts were ultimately unsuccessful, Hamer’s impassioned testimony before the Credentials Committee brought national attention to the issue of voter suppression.
Hamer’s activism extended beyond voting rights. She played a vital role in organizing Mississippi’s Freedom Summer, an initiative that aimed to increase voter registration among African Americans. The project was a collaboration between the SNCC and other civil rights organizations and brought national volunteers to the state to support local activists and community initiatives.
Recognizing the need for greater participation of women in politics, Hamer co-founded the National Women’s Political Caucus. This organization focused on recruiting, training, and supporting women of all races who aspired to hold elected office. Hamer’s dedication to advancing women’s rights went hand in hand with her commitment to racial justice, as she understood the intersectional nature of oppression.
Hamer’s political aspirations led her to run for the U.S. Senate in 1964, challenging the incumbent, John C. Stennis. Despite not winning the election, her candidacy brought attention to the issues faced by African Americans in Mississippi and the urgent need for change. She later ran for the Mississippi State Senate in 1971 but was unsuccessful.
Throughout her life, Hamer fought against segregation and discrimination in all its forms. In 1970, she led legal action against the government of Sunflower County, Mississippi, for its continued illegal segregation practices. Hamer’s activism and courage made her a target of those who sought to uphold systems of oppression, but her perseverance remained unwavering.
On March 14, 1977, at the age of 59, Fannie Lou Hamer passed away in Mound Bayou, Mississippi. Her memorial service was well-attended, and her eulogy was delivered by U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Andrew Young. Hamer’s legacy lives on, and her contributions to the civil rights movement and the empowerment of African Americans and women continue to inspire future generations.
Awards:
– Posthumously inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 1993.