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Born
Born to Jim and Ella Townsend in Montgomery County, Mississippi. -
Childhood
Attended primary school and helped family pick cotton on the fields. Soon after third grade she left school. -
Struggles
At age 16 she caught polio. Through her struggle it was discovered she could read and write. She was then W.D. Marlows time and record keeper for his plantation. -
Bells are Ringing
At age 27 she married Perry "Pap" Hamer a tractor driver. -
Surgery gone wrong
In 1946 she was admitted into the hospital for a tumor to be removed. Without knowledge she was given an hysterectomy. Unable to have kids of her own. -
Realization
Once the civil rights movement took full effect in her hometown she jumped in head first. Joining the Student Nonviolent Coordinate Committee. -
Denied.!
In 1962 Ms.Hamer and 18 others went to a nearby town to vote. She was 1 of the 2 to attempt the literacy test and was told they both failed. They weren't able to vote and had to return home. -
Jail? Charleston SC
On the way back from a voter registration the group she was traveling back with stopped for food. Instead of being served they were arrested. She was beat and wasn't taken to the hospital until 3 days later when she was released. -
Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party
A branch of the populist freedom party. -
Politician Activism
She ran for Mississippi Congress in Democratic State Primary. Received more votes than her opponents but her name was disallowed on the ballot. -
Congressional Testimony
Gave a speech before credentials committee, president, and other activist sharing her experience at the Democratic Convention. -
Death
She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1976.
Mound Bayou MS.
