Hi there, I am Samesa Hoskin, Deputy Digital Organizing Director here in Mississippi.
Less than 60 years ago, in August of 1962, 18 Sunflower County locals trekked miles to the Indianola courthouse. They believed they had the right to vote. As they unloaded the bus, they noticed an armed and angry mob, snipers on the roof, and police waiting for them at the entry door. With courageous hearts, they attempted to register anyway.
On their way back to Ruleville, Mississippi, that same group was stopped by the police. The state arrested the bus driver and many others feared they were next. Suddenly, a calming, powerful voice came from the back of the bus, singing “This Little Light of Mine.” That voice was Fannie Lou Hamer, and this event inspired Freedom Summer of 1964.
The Mississippi Freedom Summer Project was launched to encourage and protect black people who wanted to vote. The Council of Federated Organizations (COFO), the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) all supported this initiative.
I drive by the Indianola courthouse every single day. Honestly, it is not hard for me to imagine Indianola, circa 1960, because much of the infrastructure is the same and remnants of systemic racism still exist. Fannie Lou Hamer worked on plantations in Humphreys County. So did my grandmother. Some days I wonder, perhaps, if they ever met.
Many of my heroes were local Mississippi activists and sacrificed their lives. Had Fannie never spoke, or if Medgar Evers never stood up, I wouldn’t be able to write you this email today.
Our campaign is observing National Black Voter Registration Day today, September 18, 2020. This day is aimed to upend voter suppression and create more voter protection. Heroines like Fannie Lou Hamer and Medgar Evers sacrificed their livelihood to ensure everyone had equal opportunity. Today, we honor those people by registering our neighbors and loved ones to vote.
If you are unsure of your voting status, please visit IWillVote.com to check your registration status. If you are a Mississippian who is not registered to vote, please respond to this email with your contact information and we will make sure an organizer sends you a voter registration form.
Thank you for your time,
Samesa Hoskin
Deputy Digital Organizing Director
Campaign for Mississippi
Proud Resident of the Mississippi Delta
