Flonzie Brown Wright facts for kids

Flonzie Brown-Wright (born in 1942) is an American activist, educator, and author. She is known for her work in the civil rights and voting rights movements. In 1968, she made history by becoming the first Black woman elected to a public office in Mississippi since the Reconstruction era. This was when she was chosen as the Election Commissioner in Canton. She also worked alongside famous leaders like Martin Luther King Jr..

Early Life and Education

Flonzie Brown was born on August 12, 1942, in Farmhaven, Madison County, Mississippi. She grew up in Canton, Mississippi, in an African American family. Her family had a mix of backgrounds, with some members having been educated and others having experienced slavery.

Flonzie Brown-Wright went to Holy Child Jesus School, where she met her friend Thea Bowman. She also attended public schools in Canton. Later, she studied at Tougaloo College.

Fighting for Rights

After some time living in California, Flonzie Brown-Wright was inspired by the 1961 Freedom Rides to return to Mississippi. She wanted to help with the civil rights movement. She took a job in Biloxi, where she met important civil rights lawyers like Jack H. Young, R. Jess Brown, and Carsie Hall.

Becoming a Voter

In 1963, Flonzie Brown-Wright became very dedicated to the civil rights movement, especially focusing on voting rights. She also became a Field Secretary for the NAACP in Mississippi. When she tried to register to vote, her application was turned down. She was asked about a legal term, "habeas corpus," which was a trick question used to stop Black people from voting.

Flonzie spent a month studying the United States Constitution. She then went back and passed the voter registration test. This showed her strong determination to make sure everyone had the right to vote.

Helping Thousands Vote

During the 1960s, Flonzie Brown-Wright helped thousands of people in Mississippi register to vote. This was a huge step in making sure more voices could be heard in elections.

In 1968, she was elected as the Election Commissioner in Canton. This was a very important job. She was in charge of watching over elections, teaching people how to work at the polls, and holding workshops to help voters understand the process. She even sued the Elections Board to stop them from treating candidates and poll workers unfairly.

Working with Martin Luther King Jr.

In 1966, after the March Against Fear, James Meredith was shot. Because of this, Martin Luther King Jr. brought three thousand protestors to Canton. He asked Flonzie Brown-Wright for her help in finding places for all of them to stay. This shows how much he trusted and respected her.

Later Work and Recognition

Flonzie Brown-Wright continued her important work. She met Mamie Till, the mother of Emmett Till, at a conference. From 1969 to 1973, she was the vice president of the Institute of Politics at Millsaps College. She also worked for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission from 1974 to 1989.

She traveled across the country, giving talks and workshops about voting rights. She also led a non-profit group called Women for Progress in Mississippi.

Flonzie Brown-Wright wrote a book about her life called Looking Back to Move Ahead: An Experience of History and Hope. Her story was also featured in a 1997 documentary film called Standing on My Sisters' Shoulders. In 2018, the United States House of Representatives honored her for her contributions.