Fannie Lou Hamer
A leader in the civil rights movement and co-founder of the Freedom Democratic Party
Real World Example
Fannie Lou Hamer was a significant figure in the civil rights movement who fought for African American voting rights. She co-founded the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party (MFDP) to challenge the all-white delegation at the 1964 Democratic National Convention. Hamer's passionate speeches and activism highlighted the brutal realities of racial discrimination and inspired many to fight for equality. Her actions mattered because they helped pave the way for the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which banned racial discrimination in voting. Today, her legacy inspires those who continue to advocate for voting rights and social justice, reminding us of the importance of civic engagement and standing up for equality, as seen in modern movements like Black Lives Matter.
