Exactly 56 years ago today, Mrs. Hamer went to Capitol Hill to raise the alarm to politicians about how dangerous live was in Mississippi at that time. She felt particularly compelled to speak out as Freedom Summer activists were poised to descend on the Delta. This protest came on the heels of her unsuccessful bid for Congress. Yet, despite her persona setback, she knew she had to keep raising awareness about the political climate in her home state
“And I don’t mean the weather.” She said, “They have people riding around with guns. But Ruleville is a very small town.” She knew she had a target on her back and people wanted her head. But she wasn’t going to let that stop her – or the other activist who wanted to come to Mississippi and fight for equality.