Fannie Lou Hamer is an icon in civil rights historical past, recognized to be a robust speaker and alter maker. Hamer helped arrange Freedom Summer season, an effort to get African Individuals registered to vote. And in 1964, she introduced her candidacy for the Mississippi Home of Representatives, however was barred from the poll.
Within the phrases of her grandniece, Monica Land, so many individuals know her after which no one is aware of her. Land is the co-producer for a brand new documentary movie “Fannie Lou Hamer’s America,” a particular from WORLD Channel’s “America ReFramed,” which takes a take a look at the activist story and her personal voice.
Land joined hosts Paris Alston and Jeremy Siegel on Morning Version at the moment to debate the movie and Hamer’s legacy. Land mentioned that Hamer’s message is as related at the moment because it was within the Nineteen Sixties.
“The very same issues that she was combating for in 1962 are nonetheless taking place at the moment. This time mirrors her time. And so it is nonetheless very related,” Land mentioned.
“So many individuals, particularly younger folks, are taking her phrases to coronary heart. And we see that as a result of each time there appears to be some type of Black Lives Matter motion or protest, somebody has an indication or a shirt that has a quote from Fannie Lou,” Land continued. “They might not know that she mentioned it, but it surely’s her phrases. ‘I am sick and bored with being sick and drained.’ ‘No one’s free till everyone’s free.’ And so her message resonates with folks as a result of it is the identical social state of affairs.”
Hearken to the total interview above. “Fannie Lou Hamer’s America: An America Reframed Particular” airs on Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 9:00 p.m. on GBH 2 and Thursday, Feb. 24 at 8:00 p.m. on WORLD Channel.