Fannie Lou Hamer was a prominent figure in the civil rights movement, known for her activism in the fight against racial discrimination and voter suppression. She was born on October 6, 1917, in Mississippi, and worked as a sharecropper for much of her life.

Hamer became involved in the civil rights movement in the 1960s, joining the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and participating in voter registration drives in the South. She played a key role in organizing the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party (MFDP), which challenged the all-white delegation from Mississippi at the 1964 Democratic National Convention.

Hamer's powerful testimony at the convention, where she spoke about the struggles of African Americans in the South and the violence they faced when trying to exercise their right to vote, brought national attention to the issue of racial injustice. Despite facing intimidation and violence, Hamer continued to be a vocal advocate for civil rights and social justice.

Fannie Lou Hamer's legacy lives on as a symbol of courage and resilience in the face of oppression. Her activism and leadership paved the way for advancements in the civil rights movement and inspired generations of activists to continue the fight for racial equality.