60 Years After Fannie Lou Hamer’s Iconic Speech: Kamala Harris and the Legacy of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party

Sixty years ago, Fannie Lou Hamer delivered a speech that would reverberate through the annals of American history. Her words at the 1964 Democratic National Convention in Atlantic City were not just a personal testimony but a searing indictment of systemic racism and voter suppression in the segregated South. Hamer’s vivid recounting of her experiences as a Black woman trying to exercise her right to vote in Mississippi laid bare the brutal realities of Jim Crow laws. Her speech, delivered to the credentials committee, was a raw and unfiltered account of the violence and intimidation she faced, including job loss and physical assault, simply for encouraging other Black people to assert their rights.

Fast forward to the present day, Kamala Harris stands on the precipice of making history as she accepts the Democratic presidential nomination. Harris, the first Black woman and first Asian American to be nominated by a major party, is a testament to the progress made since Hamer’s time. However, her candidacy also underscores the ongoing struggle for racial equality and voter rights in America. The parallels between Hamer’s fight and Harris’ nomination are striking, reminding us that the battle for a truly inclusive democracy is far from over.

Hamer’s speech was a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement. She detailed the unconstitutional methods used by white elites in Mississippi to maintain their grip on power. These included literacy tests, poll taxes, and outright violence designed to disenfranchise Black voters. Hamer’s testimony was so powerful that President Lyndon B. Johnson, fearing the impact it would have on national television, called an impromptu news conference to divert attention. Despite his efforts, Hamer’s speech was broadcast later and resonated with millions of Americans, bringing national attention to the plight of Black voters in the South.

The legacy of Hamer’s speech is still felt today. U.S. Representative Bennie Thompson, who also spoke at the recent Democratic National Convention, highlighted the enduring relevance of Hamer’s question: ‘Is this America?’ Thompson, who began his journey in democracy inspired by Hamer’s call to register Black voters in 1966, emphasized that the challenge of ensuring every eligible citizen can vote and have their vote counted remains a pressing issue. Hamer’s influence on the Democratic Party and the broader civil rights movement cannot be overstated. She has been rightfully recognized as a pioneer for voting rights, and her contributions continue to inspire new generations of activists.

Born and raised in the Mississippi Delta, Hamer’s early life as a sharecropper exposed her to the harsh realities of racial and economic oppression. Her involvement with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and her role in organizing Freedom Summer were critical in challenging the status quo. In response to Mississippi’s whites-only primaries, activists, including Hamer, formed the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party (MFDP). Their goal was to confront the Democratic Party’s national leadership and demand representation. Hamer’s poignant question to the credentials committee, questioning America’s integrity if the MFDP was not seated, encapsulated the moral urgency of their cause.

The 1964 Democratic National Convention was a watershed moment for the MFDP and the civil rights movement. Despite President Johnson’s attempts to undermine Hamer’s testimony, the MFDP’s presence forced the Democratic Party to confront its own contradictions. A compromise was reached to seat two of the MFDP’s delegates, but this was seen as insufficient by the Freedom Democrats and too much by the regular Mississippi delegation, leading to their eventual walkout. This episode highlighted the deep divisions within the party and the nation, but it also set the stage for future reforms.

Retired political science professor Leslie-Burl McLemore, who was a Freedom Party delegate, recalls the determination and faith that drove their efforts. Alongside other organizers like Ella Baker, Bob Moses, and David J. Dennis Sr., they believed they had divine support in their quest for justice. The emotional eulogy delivered by Dennis for James Chaney, a Freedom Summer volunteer murdered by the KKK, underscored the grave risks they faced. Hamer’s testimony about being evicted and beaten for attempting to register to vote remains a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by civil rights activists.

The impact of Hamer’s activism extends beyond her lifetime. The first Mississippi Freedom Trail marker outside the state was unveiled in Atlantic City, commemorating the site of her historic speech. Another marker in Winona, Mississippi, recognizes the jail beatings she endured. Euvester Simpson, who shared a cell with Hamer in 1963, vividly recalls the sounds of her being whipped by white law enforcement officers. Hamer’s harrowing account of a non-consensual hysterectomy performed by a white doctor highlights the pervasive abuse Black women faced in the South. These markers serve as tangible reminders of the courage and resilience of Hamer and her fellow activists.

The Mississippi Freedom Trail now extends all the way to New Jersey, symbolizing the far-reaching impact of Hamer’s legacy. A new historical marker has been installed at the location of the 1964 Democratic National Convention in Atlantic City. This installation is part of a joint effort between New Jersey and Mississippi to honor and learn from this pivotal moment in history. The focus on ordinary citizens like Hamer is intended to inspire and educate future generations about the importance of civic engagement and the ongoing struggle for equality.

The significance of Hamer’s contributions is further underscored by the events surrounding the 2020 Democratic National Convention. Kamala Harris’ nomination is not just a political milestone but a tribute to the civil rights leaders who paved the way. Actor Wendell Pierce and political strategist Leah Daughtry, among others, paid homage to Hamer during the convention. Rep. Maxine Waters also honored Hamer in her remarks, emphasizing the enduring relevance of her fight for justice. The Mississippi delegation, once all-white, now proudly honors Hamer as a hero, reflecting the profound changes that have occurred over the past six decades.

The convention also celebrated other Black leaders who have shaped American history, including Frederick Douglass and Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. This moment is about more than just defeating political opponents; it is about advancing the cause of freedom and rights for all. Harris’ nomination is a testament to the progress that has been made since Hamer’s speech, but it also serves as a reminder of the work that remains. The celebration of diversity and representation in politics is a step towards a more inclusive and equal future for everyone.

The legacy of Fannie Lou Hamer and the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party continues to resonate in today’s political landscape. The markers and commemorations serve as a bridge between past and present, reminding us of the sacrifices made and the victories won. As Kamala Harris stands poised to make history, she carries with her the hopes and dreams of those who fought for a better America. The ongoing fight for justice and equality is a testament to the enduring spirit of Hamer and the countless others who have dedicated their lives to this cause. Their legacy is a beacon of hope and a call to action for future generations.