Celebrating Black History Month: Fannie Lou Hamer

 

From her humble roots in the Mississippi Delta to her time as a key leader during the Civil Rights Movement, and her receipt of the Presidential Medal of Freedom 48 years after her death, Fannie Lou Hamer created a legacy for justice that echoes today. 

 

Despite being affected by polio, which led to her disability, Hamer channeled her pain into purpose as a notable figure who fought for Black voting rights. Her work was instrumental in highlighting the dual challenges faced by Black women and people with disabilities, sparking conversations about racial equality and disability rights that still inspire change today.