Mary Hamilton (activist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mary Lucille Hamilton
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The 1961 arrest photo for Harlem CORE member Mary Hamilton as a Freedom Rider in Jackson, Mississippi. At the time, she was 25 years old.
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| Born | October 13, 1935 Cedar Rapids, Iowa
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| Died | November 11, 2002 (aged 67) |
| Nationality | American |
| Other names | Mary Hamilton Young, Mary Hamilton Wesley |
| Occupation | Activist, Teacher |
| Known for | Activism during the Civil Rights Movement, Hamilton v. Alabama (1964) |
| Movement | Civil Rights Movement |
Mary Lucille Hamilton (born October 13, 1935 – died November 11, 2002) was an important American civil rights activist. She worked hard to make sure everyone was treated fairly. This was true no matter their race. Her famous court case, Hamilton v. Alabama, helped change how Black people were addressed in legal settings. It made it clear that calling a Black person by their first name, while using "Mr." or "Miss" for white people, was unfair. This was a big step in fighting racial discrimination.
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Early Life and Education
Mary Hamilton was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Her birthday was October 13, 1935. She grew up in Iowa and Colorado. Mary finished high school in Denver, Colorado, in 1953. Later, she went to Briarcliff College. She also earned a master's degree in teaching from Manhattanville College in 1971.
Fighting for Civil Rights
Mary Hamilton first taught at a school in Los Angeles. She then became very active in the Civil Rights Movement. This movement worked for equal rights for all people. Mary joined a group called the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE).
She took part in the Freedom Riders journeys. These were bus trips to challenge unfair laws. In 1961, she was arrested in Jackson, Mississippi. She faced tough conditions in jail. Mary always used "polite noncompliance" with police. This meant she was respectful but did not give in.
Mary kept protesting peacefully. She also helped people register to vote. She was arrested many times during these protests. Mary became a "field secretary" for CORE. She was the only woman to hold this job at that time. Later, she became CORE's director for the Southern region.
The "Miss Hamilton" Court Case
In 1963, Mary was arrested in Gadsden, Alabama. During a court hearing, the prosecutor called her "Mary." He did not use "Miss" or "Mrs." These titles were often denied to Black people back then. Mary refused to answer unless he called her "Miss Hamilton." Her lawyer supported her decision.
The judge fined her $50 for not answering. When she refused to pay, she spent five days in jail. Her lawyers appealed this decision. They argued that she was not treated fairly. White witnesses were always called "Mr." or "Miss." The case went all the way to the Supreme Court of the United States. In April 1964, the Supreme Court agreed with Mary. They said that denying a respectful title was a form of racial discrimination. This was a unanimous decision.
This case made national news. Mary Hamilton was even on the cover of Jet magazine. It was a big victory for civil rights.
Later Years and Legacy
In 1964, Mary Hamilton left CORE. She married Walter Young and moved back to Denver, Colorado. That marriage ended, and she later married Harold Wesley.
Mary worked as a union organizer. She also became an educator in New York. She taught English at Sleepy Hollow High School. She retired from teaching in 1990.
Mary Hamilton passed away on November 11, 2002. She is remembered for her brave fight for equality. Her actions helped change unfair practices in the legal system.
See also
