Resident Historian Sharon Sanders Brooks spoke about the 60th anniversary of Fannie Lou Hamer’s historic speech at the Democratic Convention. here is the link to her Hammer speech https://youtu.be/agBzy3ATja0?si=R4AZ5nmUPW7SCM9L She highlighted Hamer’s significant role in the civil rights movement and mentioned other influential Black women from that era, including Ella Baker and Marilyn Evans. Brooks also shared her experiences attending two Democratic conventions, providing an inside look at the daily activities and the atmosphere during the events.
She discussed the importance of Kamala Harris as a woman of color running for the White House and how it affects the Democratic Party and women of color. Brooks emphasized the need to recognize lesser-known figures in the civil rights movement, such as Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth from Birmingham, AL, and recommended watching the documentary “Eyes on the Prize” for a comprehensive understanding of the movement.
Brooks recounted the tension during the Democratic Convention when President Obama received the official nomination, with protests and internal conflicts. She also mentioned the unity call by Ted Kennedy, despite his declining health, and the challenges the Hillary Clinton and Obama factions faced.
Switching gears, Brooks discussed the significance of Kamala Harris’s nomination for women and women of color. She also touched on the historical impact of figures like Shirley Chisholm, Ron Brown, and Reverend Jesse Jackson, who paved the way for current African American elected officials. Brooks stressed the importance of remembering and honoring these individuals’ contributions to the civil rights movement and the Democratic Party.
