Fannie Lou Hamer
by: Ashlyn Baker
She Rises Above All Heros
There have been many African-American civil right activists in the US that have changed how we live greatly. Martin Luther King, Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, and Rosa Parks. But there is one woman who stands above all of these people. And her name is Fannie Lou Hamer.
Her Childhood
Fannie had a rough life starting with her childhood. She was born Fannie Lou Townsend on October 6, 1917 in Mississippi, the youngest of 20 children. Her parents weren't paid well enough, and with 20 children, they could hardly eat 3 meals a day! By the time Fannie was 12, she had to drop out of school because her parents couldn't afford it. She still got more education than most children at the time. But not as many friends. Nineteen siblings was probably enough.
Her Midlife
Fannie made a life changing risk in 1962 to join a protest meeting. From then on, Fannie was strong in building faith in blacks to stand up against the government, and register to vote. In 1964 she helped establish the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party. Fannie stayed strong because of the rough times as a child. As an adult, Fannie was fired, and driven from home because of her actions, but Fannie kept going. Finally, Perry Hamer caught sight of Fannie's courage and leadership, and fell in love. In 1944 they got married. Fannie and Perry didn't have any kids while they were together.
Her Life Has Ended
Fannie had many terrible life events. After having a tough childhood, being fired, and being taken from home, she had died of breast cancer. Fannie fought her hardest, not only for black rights, but for life as well. Fannie did an amazing job at fixing what had to be fixed. Her most famous quote was printed on her grave: "I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired." -Fannie Lou Hamer
Fannie Lou Hamer Trailer