Lauren Pollard

Leading the crowd into an energetic version of “We shall overcome!” in La Fetra Auditorium Feb. 13, E.P. McKnight preformed a one-woman show as part of “Black Out Week.” McKnight told the story of a young girl and her journey to becoming a woman, the trials and triumphs in Black History, and taking a stand for what she believed.

Priscilla Segura
Staff Writer

An older woman walks in and sits down.

The wrinkles on her hands are only a reflection of the history she helped change.

E.P McKnight, an inspirational actress, performed a one-woman show as Fannie Lou Hamer in La Fetra Auditorium Feb. 15.

Though not as well-known as fellow activist Martin Luther King Jr., Fannie Lou Hamer was both a civil right activist and founder of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, also known as the MFDP.

As a member of the MFDP, Hamer wanted to raise political awareness of the voting discrimination in Mississippi.
“A lot of people don’t know about her,” said McKnight.

McKnight, who is also the author of Hamer’s story, “I Question America,” has performed the mini-docudrama throughout the nation.

“I’ve seen the performance before…online,” said Ashley Joseph, a junior psychology major.

McKnight brings to life Hamer’s experiences as a slave and activist.
Although it took imprisonment and several beatings, the MFDP, along with the help of Hamer, was able to receive fair representation for the colored man in the 1964 Democratic National Convention, which was held in Atlantic City, N.J.

To commemorate those who fought for civil rights, E.P McKnight was asked to be a guest speaker during the university’s Black Out Week.

“It is rare to get so many students for a speaker,” said Joseph, who is also president of the African American Student Alliance from the university.

McKnight performed in front of a crowd of 35. The audience members were attentive to McKnight’s every move across stage.

Hamer’s famous speech “I’m Tired of Being Sick and Tired,” which was read in front of the Credentials Committee during the Democratic National Convention, highlighted the injustices committed to the poor and oppressed slaves, “…America was the only place where our babies were sold…I have seen rats eat of the babies.”

“It was inspiring…it highlighted the differences in two generations and the level of responsibility…to fight for our rights,” said Monique Chambers, a senior double major in biochemistry and athletic training at the university.

The difference between the generation of those from the civil rights and those of today is that “the ball has been dropped,” said McKnight. “ The offspring don’t see the struggle…they are caught up in enjoying,” she added.

“Exercise your voice, you have rights…if you don’t know them learn,” said McKnight when asked how to “pick up the ball.”

Student reaction seemed to also follow this line of thinking.

“We need to fight for our right,” said Chambers, in response to the “ball” commentary, “we need to fight in neighborhoods and in campus,” she added.

Priscilla Segura can be reached at psegura@ulv.edu.