Fannie Lou Hamer was an African American that fought for civil and voting rights. African Americans did not have the right to vote, and they were not recognized as first class citizens. There were no forms of equality for African Americans in general. In addition, they were not accorded human decency, which means they were treated lesser than human beings. What stands out to me from Fannie Lou Hamer is the courage, bravery, and compassion she showed when she addressed civil rights, racial discrimination, and segregations. In addition, Hamer’s testimony put her and family in danger since she was targeted by those who opposed her ideologies. I find this very respectable since she did everything within her power to obtain rights for not just herself but for her African American community as well. Jim Crow south targeted the African American community and gave them limitations. Since Hamer stood up for her and African American community’s rights, she was viewed non-favorable and a threat. Jim Crow south ascertains physical and mental struggles African Americans went through during the segregation era. As mentioned previously, African Americans had limitations which included education therefore, Hamer was fighting for a way that would give African Americans the power to vote without going through the literacy tests, which was viewed as a way to suppress black voters. I admire Fanny Lou for her courage and being a strong woman. Being a woman at that time made it harder for her to create a platform to solve discrimination related issues. On top of being a woman, being African American at that time created more challenges. Overall, her legacy benefited the future generations.

Reading this made me think about the current situation we are facing today. I understand that billionaires earned their money, but to have that much money is outrageous. I also understand that it is their money, and they can use it however they want but, I do not think that this is fair. They do not get taxed as we do. For instance, the CEO of Amazon is worth $185 billion. He and other billionaires could literally donate 1% of their wealth, and cover the very needed PPE’s, education, etc. A lot of billionaires have the power to eradicate homelessness and other problems in America, but I believe that they are selfish and greedy. As stated previously, it is their money and they could do anything desired however, there should be no room for an individual to accumulate that much wealth. With this whole COVID-19 issue, many businesses shut down except the big corporations. These corporations made billions from a pandemic, which is insane. A lot of people lost their livelihood and jobs yet these corporations made bank from it, which shows the uneven wealth distribution.

Regarding the past, I can see where Huey Long is coming from. The wealth distribution at that time seemed to be unfairly distributed. He wants the non-wealthy individuals to obtain the same opportunities rich people could get such as education. The only part I do not agree with Huey Long is the having a complete balance of middle class. There would be no room for progression and development. Everybody would be paid the same regardless of what education level and status. What I got from this was a cashier could make the same as a doctor. I think the balance of poor and rich is necessary but, I do not agree with super wealthy individuals (billionaires).