Hamer was part of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party which was a political biracial party formed in 1964 during the civil rights movement. It was very important that she told her story while this was a huge topic and with upcoming elections. She spoke in front of the DNC and because of television, it was also in front of most of America.

She wanted to become a first-class citizen. This is an important part of the Black Freedom Struggle because she is speaking about the way she was treated and beat all because she wanted to be a first-class citizen and vote. She is showing everyone, no matter their color, how black people in the south were being treated. Despite the 19th amendment giving everyone a right to vote, it was not being carried out.

Through out all the beatings and injustices, she pointed out the death of Medgar Evers. Despite her experience of all this, she was bold and brave enough to stand up and speak out at the DNC. This is what stands out to me the most. She kept fighting and trying.

This is another example of the Jim Crow laws in the south. It legalized segregation in southern states. She experienced these laws numerous times and much more.

Sadly, this was typical in the south. The plantation owner is basically telling her if she chooses to be a voter, then she has no job or place there. This went along with the segregation in the south with Jim Crow laws.

Long is pointing out that equality between men and women. I feel this is stemmed from the women's movement and he is supporting it. He is also saying to join the team and get started, now. I feel he is trying to inspire and get them to feel his passion.

To have 96% below poverty is unbelievable and four percent own 87% of the wealth. I question if his numbers are accurate. That is a huge gap. I can understand him wanting to lessen the gap. More than 100 years ago, I feel Long was correct and that no one could realistically spend that much money in his lifetime. My question is - why not share? If you have that much, knowing people are starving daily, why not share?

This reminds me of the Robin Hood Act in Texas that went into effect in the early 1990s. Schools that had more money from property taxes, etc. were told they cannot keep it. It was then taken, and shared with others.

I feel he is trying to not get the current government mad at him by giving a few positives before he gives the negative. Long had to be careful as he was hoping to eventually secure his presidential candidate spot. He was also currently part of that government. He claims it is great but just need a change.

At this point, Washington is saying that advancing materially was more important. Joining in at the opera would mean that social integration was accepted in the South and that was not the priority but would come later.

DuBois spoke on needing the rights to be able to make progress, they needed to be seen as equal. They had to have equal opportunities to be successful and that started with getting rid of the color discrimination. Then they can be successful as opposed to Washington suggesting that they give up political powers and higher education.

Washington is addressing the white people in crowd and saying they could use the same advice. If they are looking and waiting for immigrants to help them, stop and just look around you. They can work together.

I feel he is saying just that - doesn't matter if you are doing manual labor or in an office, there is dignity in both. I live in an area where you either work in the offices or you work in the chemical plants and farmlands. There is pride and dignity in work itself. My opinion, neither is better than the other and they both rely on each other. He is saying, no matter your race, it is the work itself to be proud of.