Fannie Lou Hamer's Medal of Freedom on Display at Mississippi Civil Rights Museum

Hamer's niece and cousin unveil the prestigious award in the museum's 'I Question America' gallery.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded to civil rights icon Fannie Lou Hamer is now on display at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson. Hamer's niece and cousin officially unveiled the prestigious award on Tuesday in the museum's 'I Question America' gallery.

Why it matters

Fannie Lou Hamer was a pivotal figure in the American civil rights movement, known for her powerful testimony about the discrimination and violence she faced as a Black woman in the segregated South. The display of her Medal of Freedom at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum honors her legacy and the ongoing fight for racial justice.

The details

Hamer received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, in 1977 from President Jimmy Carter. The medal is now part of the museum's permanent collection and will be on display for visitors to learn about Hamer's courageous activism.

  • Fannie Lou Hamer received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977.
  • The medal was unveiled at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum on February 12, 2026.

The players

Fannie Lou Hamer

A civil rights icon who was a pivotal figure in the American civil rights movement, known for her powerful testimony about the discrimination and violence she faced as a Black woman in the segregated South.

Jimmy Carter

The 39th President of the United States, who awarded Fannie Lou Hamer the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The display of Fannie Lou Hamer's Medal of Freedom at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices and struggles of the civil rights movement, and the ongoing need to honor and continue the fight for racial justice and equality.