Hartman Turnbow facts for kids

Hartman Turnbow (born March 20, 1905 – died August 15, 1988) was a farmer from Mississippi. He was also a powerful speaker and an important activist during the Civil Rights Movement. This was a time when many people worked to end unfair treatment and segregation against African Americans.

On April 9, 1963, Hartman Turnbow made history. He was one of the very first African Americans to try and register to vote in Mississippi. He did this with a brave group known as the "First Fourteen."

Early Life and Family

Hartman Turnbow was born in Mileston, Mississippi, on March 20, 1905. His grandparents had been slaves, and he later inherited their farm.

He moved to Chicago, Illinois, where he met and married his second wife, Dee. They later returned to Mississippi with their children. They settled in Tchula, where Hartman became an independent farmer. He owned his own land, which was very important at that time.

Fighting for Civil Rights

Voting Rights

On April 9, 1963, Hartman Turnbow joined 13 other African Americans. This group included brave people like Hollis Watkins. They went to the Holmes County courthouse in Lexington. Their goal was to register to vote. This group became known as the "First Fourteen."

Many white people gathered around them, trying to scare them away. A deputy sheriff, Andrew Smith, asked, "All right now, who will be the first?" Hartman Turnbow bravely stepped forward. He told the deputy, "Me, Hartman Turnbow. I came here to vote."

All fourteen people took a reading test, which was often used to stop Black people from voting. The clerk said they all failed. Even though they couldn't register that day, their courage inspired many others. Their actions helped push the Civil Rights Movement forward in Holmes County.

Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party

In April 1964, the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party (MFDP) was created. This party aimed to give a voice to Black people in Mississippi. Hartman Turnbow was chosen as a representative for the MFDP.

He went to the 1964 Democratic National Convention in Atlantic City, New Jersey. There, he shared his personal stories about how Black people were stopped from voting. Turnbow had a unique way of speaking. People called his sayings "Turnbowisms." He sometimes mixed up words, but his speeches were very powerful. He was an inspiring leader for many.

Nonviolence and Self-Defense

Hartman Turnbow once spoke with Martin Luther King Jr.. He told King, "This nonviolent stuff ain't no good. It'll get you killed." While nonviolence was a key tactic for the Civil Rights Movement, Turnbow believed in self-defense.

In May 1963, his home was attacked. Turnbow defended his family and home. He explained, "I wasn’t being non-nonviolent, I was just protectin’ my family." He believed in his right to protect himself and his loved ones. This was similar to how Fannie Lou Hamer also believed in self-defense.

Joyce Ladner, a worker with the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), traveled with Turnbow and his wife. She remembered that Mrs. Turnbow always carried a small bag. She carried it to protect herself and her family. This shows how dangerous it was for activists during that time.

Personal Life

House Attack and False Accusation

On May 7, 1963, Hartman Turnbow, his wife Dee, and their daughter went to choir practice. When they returned home, Dee noticed something unusual. Around 3:00 AM on May 8, Turnbow woke up to an explosion and fire. His wife and daughter ran outside. Two men started shooting at Turnbow.

Turnbow defended himself until the men ran away. He and his family then worked to put out the fire. Later, Sheriff Smith and an FBI agent arrived to investigate. Turnbow and several other SNCC workers were later falsely accused of starting the fire and arrested.

The only evidence against them was Sheriff Smith's story. The charges against the other SNCC workers were dropped. However, Turnbow was still held on a bond. Hartman Turnbow was attacked and falsely accused because he was one of the first Black people to bravely step forward to vote in Mississippi.

Turnbow later reflected on these difficult times. He said he never imagined such big changes would happen between white and Black people in his county. He believed that if people kept trying to register to vote, things would improve. He said, "It’s gon’ be some difficults, gon’ have troubles... all of that happened. He didn’t miss it. He hit it ka-dap on the head, and it’s workin’ now. It won’t never go back where it was."

Family

Hartman Turnbow was married and had six children. His sons were Jewross and Hartman. His daughters were Mae Alice, Mae Bell, Mary, and Christine.

Death

Hartman Turnbow passed away on August 15, 1988, at the age of 83. He died at the Methodist Hospital of Middle Mississippi in Lexington. His funeral was held on August 24 at Rock of Ages Church of God in Christ in Tchula. He was buried in Pinkston Cemetery.

Legacy

Hartman Turnbow's brave efforts to register to vote helped many Black people in the South. His actions gave them a voice in choosing their leaders. He is remembered for his independent spirit and for always speaking the truth. His unique way of speaking is still known as "Turnbowisms."

Voting rights activist Sue (Lorenzi) Sojourner described his speaking style:

His words flowed rapidly with lilting energy. They tumbled from his mouth, often indecipherable to my inexperienced ears.