Amzie Moore was an African-American civil rights leader, born on September 23, 1911, in rural Mississippi, USA. He was a key figure in the civil rights movement in Mississippi, working alongside other activists like Medgar Evers and Fannie Lou Hamer.
Moore grew up in poverty in the Mississippi Delta and witnessed firsthand the racial discrimination and segregation that was prevalent in the South during the early 20th century. He became involved in activism at a young age, organizing boycotts and protests against racist policies in his community.
In the 1950s, Moore helped found the Regional Council of Negro Leadership (RCNL), an organization that fought for voting rights, economic opportunities, and improved education for African Americans in Mississippi. He also worked to integrate public spaces and institutions in his community, despite facing threats and violence from white supremacists.
Moore played a pivotal role in the murder trial of Emmett Till, a 14-year-old African American boy who was brutally lynched in Mississippi in 1955. Moore provided shelter and support to Till’s mother during the trial and helped bring national attention to the case, which helped spark the modern civil rights movement.
Throughout the 1960s, Moore continued to work for civil rights and social justice in Mississippi. He helped organize voter registration drives and worked to desegregate schools and public facilities. He also served as a mentor to younger activists, including civil rights icon, James Meredith.
Despite facing constant threats and harassment, Moore remained committed to the struggle for racial equality until his death on February 1, 1982. His legacy continues to inspire civil rights activists today.