As an activist, her voice inspired many to support the civil rights movement
Although the death of her son left a void in her life, Mamie directed her grief towards a passionately-driven mission to advocate for racial equality instead of wallowing in her loss. She decided to honor the NAACP’s call to speak about the ills of discrimination and social injustice once given the opportunity.
She also drew strength anytime she shared her experience as a mother who lost her son to racial injustice, this resilience encouraged sympathizers to donate to support the cause of the civil rights movement. Appreciating the fact about how her life could inspire generations and other activists in the cause for justice, Mamie documented her experience in her 2004 autobiography titled “Death of Innocence: The Story of the Hate Crime That Changed America.” It includes a foreword by the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.
