Fannie Pennington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fannie Emma Pennington
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| Born | February 1, 1914 |
| Died | February 13, 2013 (aged 99) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Activist, Organizer, Fundraiser |
Fannie Emma Pennington (February 1, 1914 – February 13, 2013) was an amazing American activist and organizer. She helped raise money for important causes. Fannie worked closely with U.S. Congressional Representative Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. in Harlem. She was also a key leader in New York for the historic March on Washington in 1963.
Throughout her life, Fannie Pennington met and hosted many famous people. These included civil rights leaders and world figures. She welcomed Ambassador Andrew Young, Gil Noble, Bill Cosby, Jesse Jackson, Moms Mabley, Eleanor Roosevelt, Haile Selassie, Mary McLeod Bethune, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Malcolm X.
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Early Life and Community Work
Fannie Emma Pennington was born and grew up in Macon, North Carolina. Later, she moved to Harlem, New York. In the late 1940s, she worked in several clubs and bars in Harlem. These included the Red Rooster and the Palm Cafe.
Fannie had a daughter named Jean Harper with Leonard Harper (producer). Fannie Pennington was also a member of many community groups. These included the New York City Board of Elections and clubs like the Frederick E. Samuel Community Democratic Club. She was also active in her church, the Abyssinian Baptist Church.
Making a Difference for Civil Rights
In 1958, Fannie Pennington became very involved in politics. She helped organize many fundraising events for Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. and other community groups.
A very important moment was the March on Washington in 1963. Fannie played a huge role by organizing buses from New York City to Washington D.C. This helped many people attend the march. Bayard Rustin led these efforts.
In 1960, she created a group called The Glamourettes. These young women helped with the campaign for John F. Kennedy to become President. Fannie received special awards for her service. The New York City Council honored her in 1992. The Abyssinian Baptist Church also recognized her Christian service in 1973 and 2003.
Honors and Awards
Fannie Pennington received many awards for her dedication and hard work. The NYC Board of Elections honored her. So did Rev. Calvin Butts, the pastor of Abyssinian Baptist Church.
She also received the Samuel Proctor Phoenix Award in 1992. This was from the Abyssinian Development Corporation. She was chosen as a Democratic County committee member in 1983. This was by New York Assemblywoman Geraldine Daniels and U.S. Congressman Charles Rangel.
In 1965, she received the Adam Powell Merit Award. This was for her community and political work. New York City Councilwoman C. Virginia Fields gave her the 5th Council District Community Service Award in 1991. She also received awards from the Board of Elections and the Community Democratic Club of Harlem.
Many other leaders honored Fannie. These included New York City Councilwoman Inez E. Dickens and New York State Assemblywoman Geraldine Daniels. In 2005, she was featured in The Harlem Times with New York State Assemblyman Keith L.T. Wright. U.S. Congressman Charles Rangel gave her an Outstanding Achievement Recognition Award in 1992.
Her Lasting Legacy
Fannie Emma Pennington's contributions are still remembered today. In 2017, the City of New York approved co-naming a street after her. The street is "Fannie Pennington Way" at 123rd Street & Manhattan Avenue. On September 22, 2018, her grandson, Grant Harper Reid, helped unveil the street sign.
In 2015, Fannie Pennington was named one of the NAACP History Makers.
In 2011, Senator Charles Rangel spoke about Fannie Pennington in the House of Representatives. He said that people like her are "precious gifts." He noted that their help and achievements are remembered forever. He also mentioned her alongside important anniversaries like the 150th Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation.
