“get up and try to do something”

February 1, 2022 2:56 PM

Civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer first learned that Black people had the right to vote in 1962 when she was already in her 40s. Two years later Hamer was delivering a fiery speech on voting rights and violence at the 1964 Democratic National Convention. Her testimony was so powerful that Lyndon B. Johnson decided to interrupt her with an unplanned press conference of his own. Video conversation and print interview with Dr. Keisha Blain, author of the 2021 book Until I Am Free: Fannie Lou Hamer's Enduring Message to America.
posted by spamandkimchi (4 comments total)

Thank you for this, spamandkimchi. Well posted.
posted by y2karl at 3:18 PM on February 1, 2022 [3 favorites]

1969: Fannie Lou Hamer founds Freedom Farm Cooperative. "The organization also started a “pig bank.” With funds from the National Council of Negro Women, the co-op bought 35 gilts (female pigs) and five boars (male pigs). Over the next three years, the pig bank produced thousands of new pigs to feed impoverished families. Mrs. Hamer was especially fond of the pig bank. “There’s nothing better than get up in the morning and have…a huge slice of ham and a couple of biscuits and some butter. . . I wouldn’t take nothing for our golden pigs.” While in existence, the Freedom Farm empowered poor people in Sunflower County to take control over their economic livelihood."
posted by MonkeyToes at 3:44 PM on February 1, 2022 [6 favorites]

A towering force. Thank you, spamandkimchi - looking forward to reading this interview!
posted by rrrrrrrrrt at 5:37 PM on February 1, 2022

Fanny Lou Hamer is one of the most inspiring people who’s ever lived!
posted by johnasdf at 5:37 PM on February 1, 2022 [1 favorite]