Fannie Lou Hamer

Fannie Lou Hamer was born on October 6, 1917, in Mississippi. She was the youngest of 20 children in her family. They were very poor and worked on a farm. Fannie started working in the fields when she was just six years old. She saw many unfair things happen to African-American people like her.

Fannie wanted to change things. In 1962, she tried to register to vote. This was very brave because some people would get mad and try to hurt her. She lost her job and her home because she tried to vote.

Fannie didn’t give up. She joined a group called the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. She traveled around the South telling other African Americans to vote. This helped many people stand up for their rights.

Fannie also helped start a new group called the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party. In 1964, they went to a big meeting where they spoke about the unfair treatment of black people when voting. Fannie talked on TV about her life and how hard it was. Many people saw it and wanted to help.

Fannie won awards because of her hard work. People still remember her brave words, "I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired." These words are famous for showing how unfair things were for African Americans.

Fannie was married to Perry Hamer, and they adopted two daughters. Her life was hard, and she had to face many bad things because of the unjust rules back then.

Fannie never stopped working for what was right, even when she got sick. She passed away in 1977. But today, her work helps us remember to keep fighting for fairness and justice for everyone.