Fannie Lou Hamer was born on October 6, 1917 in Montgomery County, Mississippi. As a child, she was no stranger to hard work, spending hours picking cotton on the plantation of E. W. Brandon. Despite the challenges she faced growing up in rural Mississippi, Fannie Lou was determined to make a difference in the world.
Fannie Lou Hamer's activism in the civil rights movement began in the early 1960s, when she joined the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). She played a crucial role in organizing the Mississippi Freedom Summer of 1964, a campaign to register African American voters in the state.
During protests and marches, Fannie Lou was known for her powerful voice and fearless presence. She often sang Christian hymns, such as "Go Tell It on the Mountain" and "This Little Light of Mine," to uplift and inspire her fellow activists.
Despite the challenges she faced as a civil rights leader, Fannie Lou found love and support in her husband, Perry Hamer. She also had a large family, with 19 older siblings who shared her passion for social justice.
Throughout her life, Fannie Lou remained committed to fighting for equality and justice for all. She traveled to Indianola, Mississippi to register to vote after hearing a powerful sermon by James Bevel, who encouraged the community to come together and exercise their right to vote.
Fannie Lou Hamer's legacy lives on today through her dedication to the fight for civil rights. Her courage and determination continue to inspire activists around the world to stand up for what is right and never back down in the face of adversity.
From her humble beginnings in rural Mississippi to her pivotal role in the civil rights movement, Fannie Lou Hamer's story serves as a reminder of the power of one individual to make a difference in the world. Her spirit lives on in all those who continue to fight for justice and equality for all.