amelia boynton robinson: one of the nation’s oldest civil rights activists

Born in Savannah, GA in 1911, Amelia Boynton Robinson would become one of the heroes of the American Civil Right’s movement

Amelia’s activism began when she campaigned for the right of African Americans to own property, vote and receive a decent education in Alabama

In 1964, Boynton ran for Congress from Alabama, hoping to encourage black registration and voting.

Amelia was the first female African American to run for congress in Alabama & the first woman of any race to run for the ticket of the Democratic Party in the state

Amelia did not win the office, but received 10% of the overall vote

Although Amelia had sought to be a political future, it would ultimately be the front lines where Amelia Boynton Robinson would make her mark

In 1964, Amelia began to work with Martin Luther King, Jr. to plan demonstrations for civil and voting rights

On March 7, 1965, Amelia lead the march from Selma to Montgomery that came to be known as "Bloody Sunday"

The march was a turning point in American history, and the advances that followed would not have been possible without the bravery and commitment women like Amelia Boynton Robinson

Interested in learning more about Amelia

Boynton Robinson and the Civil Rights

movement? Learn More About Amelia Boynton Robinson