The Hamer Institute
The Fannie Lou Hamer National Institute on Citizenship and Democracy
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Directors Note |
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This is an exciting time for the Hamer Institute. Various programs, lectures, symposiums, and town hall style discussions have laid the groundwork for critical dialogue between us and the students, community and visitors, and we are anticipating many more opportunities for outreach and education in the very near future. Whether we are conducting summer youth programs, continuing education for Jackson Public School teachers, enlightening community college professors, or hosting a lecture series throughout the academic year, we strive to offer non-stop educational opportunities for everyone. With continued support from the community we can work together to continue our steady progress. This website is another valuable tool for Civil Rights education. The resources page gives a multitude of educational assets of that can be used for personal knowledge, as well as teaching tools. The photos and links can further enrich research, or even quench your general curiosity concerning places and events in the movement. Check out iTunes, where audio and video recordings of relevant lectures and speeches can be downloaded. In addition to the various programs, we are in the process of completing the transformation of the Council of Federated Organizations building on Lynch Street. Once finalized, the COFO building will be a crown jewel of education for the community. The COFO building, in conjunction with the on-going revitalization of historic Lynch Street, creates a “Civil Rights Corridor.” When completed, activists as well as students will be proud of the facilities, and we anticipate it becoming a mecca of Civil Rights history in Jackson. When you find yourself in Jackson, feel free to stop by the COFO complex. Attend a lecture or discussion, and take part in our continuing mission to educate and improve the community. We can all work together to continue to make the social and structural improvements necessary to advance our community’s cause, and truly be a part of our efforts as we move forward in “Challenging Minds and Changing Lives.” |
Upcoming Events
In 1962, both Rev. Robert L. T. Smith and Rev. Merrill W. Lindsey made a significant mark on the history of Mississippi politics when they became the first blacks to run for a Congressional seat since Reconstruction. Smith became a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People during its first meeting in Hinds County in 1925. He was also a co-founder of State Mutual Federal Savings and Loan Association, a coalition that helped enabled blacks to secure fair loans. Rev. Merrill W. Lindsey was a native of Holly Springs, Mississippi and pastor of Ausbury Methodist Church. In addition, he was a chaplain at Rust College and the brother-in-law of Aaron Henry who was his campaign manager. Lindsey ran for the combined second and third districts against two white opponents. Although their bids for the House of Representatives were unsuccessful, their campaigns helped to pave the way for Black Mississippians’ involvement in the political process.
The panelists— Dr. Rico Chapman, Department of History and Philosophy, Jackson State University, Dr. Leniece Davis, Professor of Political Science, Jackson State University, Attorney Dave Dennis, President and CEO of Positive Innovations, Inc., and, Dr. K.C. Morrison, Professor and Head of Political Science & Public Policy Administration, Mississippi State University will explore this topic on Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. at the Masonic Temple located at 1072 John R. Lynch Street, Jackson, Mississippi 39203.
**Special Guests include Family Members of both, Robert L.T. Smith and Merrill Winston Lindsey**
If you need any additional information, please contact The Hamer Institute at (601) 979-1562, 601-979-1563 or email: hamer.institute@jsums.edu.
