Fannie Lou Hamer was a galvanizing force of the Civil Rights movement, using her voice to advance voting rights and representation for Black Americans throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Faced with eviction, arrests, and abuse at the hands of white doctors, policemen, and others, Hamer stayed true to her faith and her conviction in non-violent progress. She helped found the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, ran for Congress, and was one of the first three Black women in American history to be seated on the floor of the United States House of Representatives. Hamer dedicated herself fully as a grassroots organizer of the Civil Rights movement, inspiring countless activists and pushing progress forward. This is her story.
Autumn 1964: Betrayal
President Lyndon B. Johnson worried that Hamer’s speech would damage his chances to become the Democratic nominee for the 1964 fall presidential election. He agreed to seat the regular all white party delegates in exchange for their support, denying the MFDP’s challenge. He promised civil rights leaders Martin Luther King Jr., Roy Wilkins, Aaron Henry, and others, that he would pass important civil rights legislation. Hamer felt betrayed and grew angry with the elite leaders who negotiated behind her back. She returned home ready to fight some more. Image: An angry Hamer rallying the Freedom Party supporters with her commanding singing voice outside the convention hall. Credit: Photo by Ken Thompson, ©The General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church, Inc. Used with permission of Global Ministries.
Images are from Walk with Me, except where otherwise noted and linked.
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