Fannie Lou Hamer: Presidential Medal Of Honor
Presented: January 4, 2025
Officially Unveiled On Permanent Display: February 10, 2026
A Fitting Tribute.
On January 4, 2025, President Joe Biden posthumously awarded Fannie Lou Hamer the Presidential Medal of Freedom, one of the nation’s highest honors, in recognition of her lifelong fight for justice and equality. This award celebrates her remarkable legacy as a leader in the Civil Rights Movement and her steadfast dedication to securing equal rights for all Americans. The ceremony underscored Hamer’s influential role in shaping the path toward social progress and uplifting marginalized voices.The award was accepted by Hamer’s niece, Doris Hamer Richardson.In October 2025, Hamer’s Presidential Medal of Freedom was donated to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) who governs and operates the Two Mississippi Museums including the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. Front of Medal. Rear of Medal with Hamer’s name.Fannie Lou Hamer’s niece, Marilyn Mays, represented the family during the unveiling and spoke with the media. Also pictures is Michael Morris, executive director of the Two Mississippi Museums and Hamer’s nephew, Eddie Fair. The official unveiling of Fannie Lou Hamer’s Presidential Medal of Freedom at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum on February 10, 2026 was a landmark event that drew the media, visitors, dignitaries, and members of the Hamer family. This prestigious award unveiled during Black History Month, marked a historic occasion that brings Hamer’s story to the forefront of American history.The ceremony highlighted not only the historical significance of the Medal itself but also the enduring influence of Hamer’s advocacy for justice and equality. By placing the medal on public display, the museum offers a tangible connection to her legacy, inspiring reflection and dialogue about the ongoing pursuit of civil rights.