Fannie Lou Hamer Historical Marker
Indianola, Mississippi
Unveiling and Dedication: October 7, 2020
Dedication Program Cover
The Marker prior to the unveiling
Program of Events and Speakers
Location: Sunflower County Courthouse, 200 Main Street, Indianola, MS.
After months of planning and COVID-19 delays, the Fannie Lou Hamer Marker, spearheaded by Mississippi Valley State University students, honoring the 1965 Voting Rights Act, was unveiled on Oct. 6, 2020.
After months of intense planning, the group from Mississippi Valley State University received approval to proceed with the project that would erect the first historical marker commemorating the historic stance taken by Fannie Lou Hamer to ensure voting rights for all Americans. MVSU Associate Professor of History Dr. C Sade Turnipseed and students in her Public History course, led by Nigerian native 17-year-old Brian Diyaolu, were given the greenlight by the Sunflower County Board of Supervisors to place the marker at the Sunflower County Courthouse in Indianola to commemorate Hamer’s legacy.
Civil rights activist Charles McLaurin of Indianola accompanied the MVSU team to present a case to the Sunflower County board detailing Hamer’s significance to Sunflower County and for the implementation of the historical marker.
On Aug. 31, 1962, a few days after attending her first voter registration meeting, Hamer and 17 others, including McLaurin, traveled 26 miles to the Sunflower County Courthouse to try to register and vote. Hamer said they were met by more policemen than she had ever seen in her life. They were turned away after being unable to pass the required literacy test. Hamer never gave up and eventually helped thousands to register and vote in Mississippi. President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act in 1965 due in large part to Hamer’s efforts.
The unveiled Marker
The Sunflower County Courthouse as it looked when Fannie Lou Hamer went in 1962
A portrait view of the commemorative Marker
Regarding the marker, Turnipseed said her students set a goal of $5,500 for the completion of the historical project, and they achieved that by appealing to local churches, social groups and educational institutions. The Sunflower County Board of Supervisors donated $3,000 and the remaining funds for the marker were given by private donations.
She said the project was a great opportunity for MVSU students to learn about Fannie Lou Hamer’s significance to American history, will ensuring that visitors of the courthouse are also aware of its historical significance. “At MVSU we sincerely care about historical figures in American history. We want to make sure these cherished and important individuals are remembered in the sands of time,” she said. “Mrs. Hamer falls in this category of people, so we make it our sacred duty to honor her contributions, so that she is not forgotten.”
Hamer’s last surving child, Jacqueline “Cookie” Hamer Flakes spoke at the ceremony.
Dr. Cassie Sade Turnipseed addresses the crowd
Organizers unveil the Marker
MVSU student, Brian Diyaolu, 17, spearheaded the Hamer Marker project.
Jacqueline Hamer Flakes, Hamer's daughter, speaks to the crowd.
A cake was served in honor of the marker and Hamer's 103rd birthday
Cherraye Oats, a cousin of Hamer's speaks to the crowd
Media.
The unveiling program was shot and produced by the students at Mississippi Valley State University for the Valley Student Media Channel (right).