For the most part, the documentary “Fannie Lou Hamer’s America” is made up of archival footage, photographs, and recordings. The few talking head interviews included were filmed decades ago, and there are occasional bits of text that inform us of context or trivia. Overall, however, we’re hearing from Hamer directly. It’s a storytelling device that makes the film feel extremely personal, less like a biography and more like a diary.
Born into a sharecropping family in Mississippi, Hamer was a civil rights activist dedicated to improving access to voting, healthcare, and economic opportunity for the Black community during the ’60s and ’70s. I knew very little of her story going into “Fannie Lou Hamer’s America,” but as I watched Joy Davenport’s doc, I felt as if I was getting to know Hamer as a person, as opposed to learning about her as a historical figure. Therein lies the magic: by presenting Hamer sharing her own thoughts, via speech or song, the film allows its audience to experience her passion and charisma first-hand. There’s not the barrier between subject and viewer that’s present in many documentaries.
As is the case in other docs focusing on social justice movements and leaders of the past, such as “My Name Is Pauli Murray” and “The Janes,” “Fannie Lou Hamer’s America” unpacks the parallels between its subject’s time and ours. We see white politicians claiming that racism doesn’t exist, while maintaining a straight face; activists being labeled as “radical,” “leftist,” or “communist” when their agenda includes basic things like improving nutrition and education; and Black women repeatedly being sidelined in political discussions, even by those who would consider themselves allies. And, of course, two of Hamer’s biggest priorities — voting rights and adequate healthcare — are in very precarious positions in 2022.
Still, one can’t come away from the film without feeling inspired. Listening to Hamer’s words, seeing her passion for human rights, it’s obvious why she connected with people then and continues to do so now. Not only did she fight to make the world a better place, she made others want to fight, too. “Fannie Lou Hamer’s America” is a celebration of her legacy and a reminder that the United States Hamer dreamed of — where there is true equity for Black citizens — is possible, but still hasn’t come to fruition.
“Fannie Lou Hamer’s America” premieres tonight at 9 p.m. EST on PBS, and will air February 24 at 8 p.m. EST on WORLD Channel.
