Fannie Lou Hamer Awards
Recognizing a Legacy of Courage and Impact
Fannie Lou Hamer stands as a beacon of strength and perseverance in American history. Renowned for her tireless advocacy for civil rights, voting rights, and social justice, Hamer’s life and work have been recognized by numerous organizations, institutions, and communities across the nation. This web page is dedicated to celebrating her remarkable achievements by listing the many known awards she received throughout her lifetime and posthumously.She treasured those awards as an acknowledgment of what she was trying to accomplish and displayed them proudly in her home (below). Most of the awards are now housed at Tougaloo College in Jackson, Mississippi. And others are lost to history, making it difficult to fully account for all the honors she received during her lifetime. As you explore the following sections, you will find a comprehensive overview of the known honors bestowed upon Hamer, reflecting the profound impact she made on society and the enduring respect she commands among leaders, educators, and activists. These recognitions serve not only as a testament to her legacy but also as an inspiration for future generations committed to equality and justice.Fannie Lou Hamer proudly displayed her many awards in her home in Ruleville, MS. Presidential Medal of Freedom
(January 4, 2025)
In one of his last official acts, President Joseph R. Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 recipients, including a posthumous award to civil rights icon Fannie Lou Hamer who died in 1977. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is considered the U.S. government's highest civilian honor. Awarded by the President, it is often presented to individuals to recognize a lifetime of significant achievements in the arts, public service, science, or other fields. Hamer was awarded the Medal in recognition of her unwavering commitment to social justice, voting rights, and equality for all Americans. A biographical note written by White House staffers said: "Mrs. Fannie Lou Hamer transformed the struggle for racial justice in America. As a founder of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, she challenged the exclusion of Black voices in the political system and laid the groundwork for the 1965 Voting Rights Act.” Hamer’s niece Doris Hamer Richardson accepted the Medal and attended the ceremony with her niece, Angela Hamer Johnson. The Medal was later donated to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) and put on permanent display at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in February 2026.Awards, Citations, Testimonies and Proclamations
Fannie Lou Hamer’s nephew, Theodore, presents her with the award in 1963.December 2, 1963
In what appears to be a special program organized by a local church, a framed handwritten testimony was presented to Fannie Lou Hamer. Acknowledged in the testimony is "Brother Theodore R. Townsend" as the "Chairman of the Program" who was Hamer's brother. The framed print reads: “Testimony to Mrs. Fannie Lue Hamer in recognition for your outstanding service rendered in the field of “Voter Registration” for the cause of freedom in the State of Mississippi. May your imprisonment in the Mississippi jail serve to inspire you as it did as it did the Apostle Paul and may your inspiration be an imprint on those that are following you and your neighborhood will soon become a brotherhood. Done this 2nd day of December in the year of our lord 1963. Brother Ezell L. Leach, President. Rev. Enoch Jones, Pastor. Brother Theodore R. Townsend, Chairman of The Program.1965
In the fall of 1965, the Southeastern Association Colored Women’s Clubs presented Fannie Lou Hamer the Outstanding Service Award for Civil Rights. (Left) An article in the October 2, 1965 issue of the New Pittsburgh Courier Newspaper, said that Hamer was one of six women honored and that Mrs. Willie Taylor of Grenada, Mississippi accepted the award of Hamer’s behalf. April 20, 1969
On April 20, 1969, National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs presented Fannie Lou Hamer the National Sojourner Truth Meritorious Service Award "for her meritorious community service her deep concern for and participation in all activities advancing the status of women."(Left) The April 17, 1969 issue of The Clarion Ledger Newspaper covered the organization’s first annual founder’s day program that included awards to Fannie Lou Hamer, State Representative Robert Clark and Dr. George Owens, president of Tougaloo College. May 18, 1969
(Above) In an article dated May 24, 1969, the New York Amsterdam News covered an award ceremony honoring Fannie Lou Hamer presented by Memorial Baptist Church in New York. The award reads: “Honor Award To Mrs. Fannie Lou Hamer For Outstanding Service To The Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party And All Humanity Presented By The Women’s Day Executive Committee of Memorial Baptist Church, Inc., New York, N.Y. May 18, 1969. Service Is The Rent We Pay For Our Room On Earth”1969
According to official records, Fannie Lou Hamer was the first Black activist to speak at Mississippi State University in Starkville, MS on Jan. 7, 1968. Her second visit to MSU was sponsored by the Afro-American Plus (Pictured below). She was awarded a plaque that named her an Honorary Member. (Bottom right)An article from the school's newspaper, The Reflector, mentions Hamer's visit. "Afro-American Plus" was Mississippi State University's (MSU) first Black student organization, founded in 1968, representing a significant part of Black student life and activism at MSU alongside the current interdisciplinary African American Studies (AAS) Program, which offers courses and promotes research on Black culture, history, and the diaspora, continuing to support the Black community's presence and contributions at the university. AA Plus was crucial for Black students at MSU, advocating for their needs and providing a space for expression and community. The organization later hosted other prominent figures like Stokely Carmichael and BLANK, demonstrating its role in civil rights and campus dialogue.The legacy of AA Plus is preserved by MSU Libraries, highlighting Black student life and activism from 1965 onward. A news clip (above) from September 7, 1969 edition of the Alexandria News Leader and (below), the August 30, 1969 issue of the New Pittsburgh Courier. August 14, 1969
Fannie Lou Hamer was presented the 1969 Mary Church Terrell Award at the Delta Sigma Theta National Convention in Baltimore, Maryland. Mrs. Frankie M. Freeman, president of the Deltas was the presenter. The location of the award is unknown. The August 14, 1969 Baltimore Sun Newspaper (above right) and the August 14, 1969 Evening Sun (below) both report on Hamer’s extensive work in the south, and her visit to Baltimore for the Delta Sigma Theta Convention and award presentation. 1970
Fannie Lou Hamer was presented several awards in 1970. The first known award (left) was on March 21. She was given the Freedom Inc. Award at the First Annual Freedom Inc. Banquet in Youngstown, Ohio. The award reads: “To Sister Fannie Lou Hamer Who In The Tradition of Harriet Tubman And Sojourner Truth And Countless Other Black Women Before Her, Has Courageously And Selflessly Served As A Soldier In The Cause of Human & Civil Rights.” Another award (right) was given to her by the Mississippi Leadership Conference as “America’s Number One Soul Sister.” An award presented by the M.T.A. organization was given to Hamer for her “civic and political leadership". But the whereabouts of the award are unkown. June 19, 1970
During the week of June 15-21, 1970 Rush Memorial Congregational Church in Atlanta, Georgia celebrated their 57th anniversary. The highlight of the week-long event featured Fannie Lou Hamer as the guest speaker. Hamer was presented an award “In Recognition of Outstanding Services To Mankind In The Area of Civil Rights And For Dedicated Devotion To The Black Struggle.” Articles about Fannie Lou Hamer’s visit to Rush Memorial Congregational Church appeared in the June 19, 1970 edition of the Atlanta Constitution Newspaper (above, right) and the June 21, 1970 edition of the Atlanta Voice Newspaper (left).March 26, 1970
On March 26, 1970, Ruleville Mayor Charles M. “Fisty” Dorrough (pictured below left) formally recognized Fannie Lou Hamer’s extraordinary dedication to her community by declaring the date “Fannie Lou Hamer Day.” In his proclamation, Dorrough commended Hamer’s unwavering courage and leadership in the face of adversity, noting that her tireless advocacy had brought hope and progress to countless individuals. This public acknowledgment not only celebrated Hamer’s achievements but also cemented her legacy as a pivotal figure in the ongoing struggle for justice and equality.It is particularly striking that this praise came from Dorrough, a man who, by Hamer’s own account, had previously shown racial bias and even treated her with rudeness. Hamer noted the significance of his words, pointing out that receiving such recognition from someone who had not always supported her underscored the genuine impact of her activism and the respect she ultimately earned across divides.There are four known Fannie Lou Hamer Days. Two in Ruleville, one in Atlantic City, New Jersey and another in Winona, MS. Dorrough’s official letter addressed to Hamer at her 721 James Street, Ruleville, MS address read: Dear Mrs. Hamer:I was very pleased to hear that your neighbors and friends are making preparations for a day of recognition for you. You have put up a valiant fight for those things you truly believe in, and you have obtained results that you should be recognized for. Many people have been publicly commended and decorated for battles won, where they actually were not exposed to the real dangers and wrath of the enemy.This is not the case with you, for you have carried your fight straight into the camp of the opposition. The results of your battles are now a matter of public record, and more benefits are coming each year. If more Americans gave of themselves as you have for things they believe in, ours would be a better nation.I trust that those you have helped and befriended will give credit where credit is due and remember you as a champion for their cause. The history books of tomorrow will record your efforts and the results, but I am sure you are more interested in the tangible things around your own community that speak of a better more comfortable life for those you love.May I add my commendation for you and the job you have done for those around you.Sincerely,C.M. Dorrough, Sr., Mayor1971
On Feb. 20, 1971, the Lincoln Heights Project Committee S.C.C.C and the Black Student Union of Cincinnati, Ohio (left) honored Fannie Lou Hamer for her “outstanding achievements in the field of human rights.”She was presented an award by Venice Teen Post 707 (below) for her “outstanding and dedicated service to her country.” And on Dec. 17, 1971, the staff And Personnel of SCPI (below) honored her "in appreciation for the many services and contributions to Head Start and community involvement In Sunflower County." August 10, 1971
Having presented Fannie Lou Hamer the Mary Church Terrell Award for her outstanding service at their 1969 convention, the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority initiated her as an honorary member at their 1971 convention in Houston, Texas.The Certificate of Membership read:“To Whom These Presents Shall Come Greetings:W Hereby Certify That Fannie Lou Hamer is a duly accredited Initiated Member and is granted all rights, honors and privileges as provided by the Constitution, By-laws and Rituals of Grand Chapter.”Several newspapers covered the Delta Sigma Theta Convention and Hamer’s initiation and work including (below, left) the August 11, 1971 editon of The Houston Post, (below, center) the September 18, 1971 Louisiana Weekly and (right) the September 5, 1971 issue of The Alexandria News Leader.The location of the certificate is unknown.On Oct. 29, 1972, Operation PUSH presented Fannie Lou Hamer the Black Excellence Award for National Achievement. The plaque reads: “We honor and salute you for your sincere and dedicated service to our community and to mankind. Your life and works represent the substance upon which we can say to our children and future generations – PUSH FOR EXCELLENCE.”1972
In 1972, Fannie Lou Hamer also received an Honorary Award of Recognition from The League of Black Women in Chicago, Illinois, “for your independent courage in the struggle for Black Liberation.” On June 3, 1972, the M.S.U. of Women’s Clubs And W.A. of United Baptist Convention of Boston, MA presented Fannie Lou Hamer an award “in recognition of your great contribution for human betterment.”1973
The 1972-1973 graduates of Northside High School in Memphis, TN presented Fannie Lou Hamer with an award in “deep appreciation for your sincere devoted and inspirational efforts to promote the cause of civil rights.” Hamer spoke to the graduating class in May of 1973 according to an article in The Commercial Appeal dated May 31, 1973 (left) and the May 30, 1973 issue of The Memphis Press-Scimitar (above right).In June 1973, Charles Evers, the mayor of Fayetteville, MS and the brother of slain civil rights activist, Medgar Evers presented Fannie Lou Hamer a Certificate of Appreciation that reads: “Mississippi Homecoming – To All of Conscience & Integrity. Hereby let it be known that Mrs. Fannie Lou Hamer, has rendered services unto the people of Fayette, Mississippi and illuminated the memory of Medgar Evers by participation in the Medgar Evers Memorial Festival on June 12, 1973. In accordance with their feeling of gratitude, Mayor Charles Evers and the people of Fayette confer the title of Honorary Citizen of Fayette. Lux Et Veritas. Charles Evers Mayor.” 1974
In 1974, Fannie Lou Hamer won two known awards. One from the Ruleville Mississippi CLub “for services rendered to humanity.” And another from Girl Friends, Inc. “in appreciation of your intrepid devotion to civil rights causes and development of Freedom Farms, Inc.” 1976
In March 1976, the Equal Opportunity Officers Association of Florida, Inc. presented Fannie Lou Hamer a certificate of appreciation “in recognition for outstanding leadership and dedicated service in the field of Civil Rights."Fannie Lou Hamer received several certificates and awards in 1976 including the George W. Collins Award for community service on Sept. 25, 1976. Hamer received the award at the Black Caucus Dinner in Washington D.C.The event was covered by the New York Amsterdam News on Oct. 2, 1976 (left).On October 31, 1976, H.M. Nailor Elementary School Cleveland, Mississippi presented Fannie Lou Hamer with a certificate for her “contributions made in the areas of the humanities and Civil RIghts.” Ruleville's mayor Virginia Stansel Tolbert (1919-1985), declared October 31, 1976 as Fannie Lou Hamer Day.In a framed proclamation (left) presented to Hamer, Tolbert and the Board of Aldermen acknowledged Hamer's "humanitarian concern for the plight of others" and her 'demonstration of love.'1977
In what appears to be her first posthumous award, Fannie Lou Hamer was honored by Mississippians United For Progress for her “outstnding achievements in the area of Civil Rights.” Hamer died on March 14, 1977.July 12, 1994
On July 12, 1994, Fannie Lou Hamer was posthumously named an “unsung hero” by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority at their 56th International Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana.An article (below) in The Selma-Times Journal dated Aug. 21, 1994 covered the event. 