Lowndes County Freedom Organization facts for kids

The Lowndes County Freedom Organization (LCFO) was a special political group started in 1965. It was also called the Lowndes County Freedom Party (LCFP). This group was formed in Lowndes County, Alabama, by African-American citizens. They were led by John Hulett and helpers from the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). Stokely Carmichael was a key leader from SNCC.

Starting the Freedom Organization

This flyer from 1966 shows how the LCFO campaigned against the Democratic Party of Alabama.

In March 1965, a big march for civil rights was happening. It went from Selma to Montgomery. Stokely Carmichael and other SNCC members were part of it. When they reached Lowndes County, they decided to stop. They wanted to talk with the people living there.

Carmichael bravely challenged two officers. He avoided arrest and inspired others. This led to the idea of creating the LCFO. John Hulett was a local leader who joined them. He had been active in civil rights groups before.

Voting Rights and New Symbols

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a new law. It allowed African Americans to register and vote. The LCFO's main goal was to help black citizens register in Lowndes County. About 80% of the people there were black. John Hulett became the LCFO's chairperson. He was one of the first two African Americans to register in the county.

The group decided not to join the Alabama Democratic Party. This state party was led by Governor George Wallace. He supported segregation, which meant keeping races separate. His party's symbol was a white rooster. It also used the slogan "White Supremacy."

Many black residents could not read at that time. So, the LCFO chose a simple picture to represent them. They picked a black panther as their symbol. This helped people easily tell the LCFO apart from the white rooster party. The idea for the black panther symbol came from Ruth Howard of SNCC.

Lasting Impact

The black panther symbol became very famous. Later, the Black Panther Party used it. This group was founded by Bobby Seale and Huey P. Newton. Other organizations across the United States also adopted the symbol.

In 1970, the LCFO joined with the Alabama Democratic Party. After this, former LCFO members won public offices. John Hulett was one of them. He was elected Sheriff of Lowndes County. He served as sheriff for 22 years. Later, he became a probate judge for three terms.

The important work of the LCFO was shown in a documentary film. It was called Eyes on the Prize. The episode "The Time Has Come (1964–66)" featured their story.

See also

• Civil Rights Movement
• Black Panther Party