Florenza Moore Grant facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Florenza Grant
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | December 5, 1921 Rich Square, North Carolina, U.S.
|
| Died | July 30, 2001 (aged 79) |
| Occupation | Farmer |
| Spouse(s) | Matthew Moore Grant |
| Children | 5 |
Florenza Moore Grant (December 5, 1921 – July 30, 2001) was a brave American woman who helped change things for the better. She was one of the first African-Americans to register to vote in Halifax County, North Carolina, back in the 1950s. This was a time when many African-Americans faced unfair rules when trying to vote. Her family also fought against unfair treatment from a government group called the USDA. Florenza was also part of the NAACP, a group that works for equal rights.
Growing Up and Family Life
Florenza Grant was born in Rich Square, North Carolina. She grew up on a farm with her 11 brothers and sisters. After finishing high school, she married Matthew Moore Grant. He was the son of a minister.
Florenza and Matthew bought their own farm in Tillery, North Carolina. They raised five children there. Besides farming, her husband ran a barber shop. The family also worked together to run a gas station.
Fighting for Fair Treatment
In Tillery, North Carolina, a government group called the USDA (also known as the Farm Security Administration or FSA) helped farmers. However, this group was mostly controlled by white men. African-American farmers were often given land in areas that flooded easily, near the Roanoke River. White farmers usually got land on higher ground, where flooding was not a problem.
African-American farmers also received less help and fewer benefits. The Grant family even faced threats of losing their farm because of their race. Years later, in 1997, Florenza's son, Gary Grant, sued the USDA. He did this because of the unfair treatment his family and other African-American farmers had faced.
Registering to Vote
In the 1950s, many African-Americans in Halifax County, North Carolina, wanted to register to vote. But when they went to the courthouse, they were often turned away.
One Saturday, Florenza's husband asked her to try to register. When she arrived at the courthouse, she was asked many questions. The officials questioned her education and if she would follow the rules. Meanwhile, a young white woman, about 18 years old, walked in and registered without any trouble.
Florenza had to read and write a part of the Constitution. She had been practicing this at home. She even corrected the registrar a few times! She passed the test easily. The registrar was very upset, but he had to register her. Florenza Grant became one of the first African-Americans in her county to successfully register to vote.
See also
