JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
She worked tirelessly to gain voting rights for African Americans, making her a leading female civil rights leader. Now, Fannie Lou Hamer will be honored in her hometown with a seven foot tall bronze statue.
"To have this kind of courage to walkout and do things to help improve the quality of life for black folks. We just wanted to make sure her legacy was continued," said Charles McLaurin of the Hamer Statue Foundation.
Thursday the Mississippi Freedom 50th Foundation presented a $10,000 check to the Fannie Lou Hamer Statue fund. The money will go towards the $85,000 piece of artwork already under construction.
The check presentation was made at Jackson State which is holding their Fannie Lou Hamer Institute this week.
"It says to the country and to the world that Mississippi the country is honoring the person that deserves to be honored," said Dr. Leslie McLemore.
The statue will be placed in a memorial garden in her name, in her hometown of Ruleville. It will have a dual purpose, draw visitors to the state and educate future generations about the civil rights movement in Mississippi.
The statue will be unveiled on October 5th, the day before Hamer's birthday.
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