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Struggle & ResistanceAchievement & Excellence

August 1964

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Resistance
Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party Challenges Credentials at DNC

The Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, formed to challenge the all-white regular Mississippi delegation, sent 68 delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Atlantic City. Fannie Lou Hamer delivered televised testimony before the credentials committee describing beatings and economic reprisals against Black voters. President Johnson arranged behind-the-scenes pressure to deny the MFDP's challenge.

Events

  1. August 22, 1964
    Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party Challenges Credentials at DNC

    The Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, formed to challenge the all-white regular Mississippi delegation, sent 68 delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Atlantic City. Fannie Lou Hamer delivered televised testimony before the credentials committee describing beatings and economic reprisals against Black voters. President Johnson arranged behind-the-scenes pressure to deny the MFDP's challenge.

  2. August 22, 1964
    The MFDP challenge at Atlantic City

    The Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party challenges the all-white delegation at the Democratic convention; Fannie Lou Hamer's testimony electrifies the country.

Resources from this period