Watch This Little Light of Mine: The Legacy of Fannie Lou Hamer

This Little Light of Mine: The Legacy of Fannie Lou Hamer is a 2015 documentary that celebrates the inspiring and courageous life of Fannie Lou Hamer, an African-American civil rights activist who became a leading voice in the fight for voting rights and social justice in the 1960s. The film showcases interviews with Hamer's family members, fellow activists, and scholars, who offer insights and reflections on the significant impact that she had on the civil rights movement.

The film begins by introducing Fannie Lou Hamer, who was born in 1917 in rural Mississippi and grew up in poverty. Hamer worked as a sharecropper and was not educated beyond the sixth grade. Despite these obstacles, Hamer became an eloquent speaker and organizer for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). She led the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party (MFDP) and challenged the all-white delegation at the 1964 Democratic National Convention, delivering a stirring speech that brought national attention to the struggle for voting rights.

The documentary highlights Hamer's tireless activism and courage during a time of violent repression and segregation. It also explores the intersections of race, gender, and poverty that Hamer confronted in her efforts to secure voting rights for African Americans in the South. The film is notable for its use of Hamer's own speeches and testimony, which showcase her powerful voice and prophetic vision.

The film also features interviews with several of Hamer's contemporaries, including longtime activist Heather Booth, who worked with Hamer on voter registration campaigns in Mississippi. Booth describes Hamer as a "giant" of the civil rights movement and speaks to the ways in which Hamer's example inspired her own activism. Other interviewees include Edwin King, a former SNCC staff member, and Dorie Ladner, a fellow MFDP leader. These interviews provide a rich context for understanding Hamer's life and legacy.

Throughout the film, Hamer's family members, including her niece and sister-in-law, speak movingly about her character and accomplishments. They discuss the ways in which Hamer's activism transformed their own lives and shaped their understanding of social justice. These personal reflections serve to humanize Hamer and emphasize the profound impact that she had on those closest to her.

One of the strengths of This Little Light of Mine is its emphasis on the continuing relevance of Hamer's activism. The film's final segment features young activists who have been inspired by Hamer's example and who are engaged in contemporary struggles for justice. These activists speak to the ways in which Hamer's legacy informs their own work and challenges them to carry on her vision.

Overall, This Little Light of Mine: The Legacy of Fannie Lou Hamer is an inspiring and informative documentary that showcases the remarkable life and accomplishments of a remarkable woman. The film is notable for its use of archival footage and interviews, which provide a rich and nuanced portrait of Hamer's activism. The film's focus on Hamer's family and fellow activists adds a personal dimension to the story of her life and emphasizes the collective nature of the struggle for social justice. This Little Light of Mine is a powerful tribute to a woman whose example continues to inspire and guide activists today.

This Little Light of Mine: The Legacy of Fannie Lou Hamer is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 26 minutes.