Civil Rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer.
ATLANTIC CITY – Stockton University will hold a dedication ceremony for the Fannie Lou Hamer Event Room 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1 at the Stockton University Atlantic City Academic Center, 3711 Atlantic Ave.
Atlantic City Mayor Frank Gilliam and Stockton President Harvey Kesselman will make brief remarks. A plaque dedicating the room will be unveiled. The ceremony is open to the public.
Fannie Lou Hamer was a major figure in the Civil Rights Movement, fighting for voting rights for African Americans in her home state of Mississippi and nationally. Her phrase, “I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired,” was a rallying cry for the movement.
Hamer made history on Aug. 22, 1964 by giving testimony at the Democratic National Convention in Atlantic City in opposition to the seating of an all-white Mississippi delegation. One year later, the Voting Rights Act was passed.
Stockton has recognized Hamer for the last 15 years by hosting an annual Fannie Lou Hamer Human and Civil Rights Symposium in October. This year’s event featured New Jersey Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver as keynote speaker.
Stockton’s Board of Trustees approved the naming in December 2017. The proposal was developed by Distinguished Professor of Social Work and Africana Studies Dr. Patricia Reid-Merritt and Professor Emeritus of Philosophy and Religion Joseph Walsh.
