Emma Sanders, a long time political activist died at the age of 91 on June 24th. Like most parents, she was afraid when her child decided to become involved in the fight to end segregation in the deep South. In spite of her fears, she fed and sheltered Freedom Riders, keeping them safe from people who didn’t want equality. Although housing people from out of state may not currently seem like a brave thing to do, it was rife with danger in the 1960’s in most of the south; if you were caught, it was not unusual to be beaten, have your home torched, or get a visit from the Klan. She also helped organize the efforts to get Black people registered to vote.
In 1964, she joined others and began a campaign to end the state’s practice of sending segregated delegations to the Democratic National Conventions. With the help of Dr. MLK, they successfully integrated the party’s delegations. In 1966, she ran for Congress and successfully sued the state to allow Black candidates on the Mississippi ballot. She was a frequent delegate at the DNCs and was present when both President Obama and Secretary Clinton were nominated. Emma Sanders was an inspiration to many and like many mothers insisted that the young people in her family registered and voted. She remembered when it was not an option for many Black people and encouraged others to exercise that right. Her long time wish for Mississippi to change the state flag became law a mere 4 days after her death.
I hope that we honor those who, like Emma Sanders, fought for equality by continuing the good fight. I had not known of her many contributions towards the fight for justice until today. It is a reminder that although we may not recognize their names, we all stand on the shoulders of giants. It is also a reminder that though the battle sadly continues, recent events should give us hope.