Aaron Henry

= Aaron Henry =

Aaron Henry (July 2, 1922 – May 19, 1997) was a prominent American civil rights leader, politician, and pharmacist. He played a significant role in the civil rights movement in Mississippi and was a key figure in the fight against racial segregation and discrimination in the United States.

Early Life and Education

Aaron Henry was born in Dublin, Mississippi, a small town in the Mississippi Delta. He was the son of sharecroppers and grew up in a racially segregated society. Despite the challenges of his upbringing, Henry was determined to pursue education and improve his circumstances.

He attended Coahoma Community College and later enrolled at Xavier University in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he earned a degree in pharmacy. His education equipped him with the skills and knowledge to become a successful pharmacist, but it also fueled his desire to combat racial injustice.

Civil Rights Activism

Henry's involvement in the civil rights movement began in the 1950s. He was a founding member of the Mississippi branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and served as its president for many years. Under his leadership, the NAACP in Mississippi became a powerful force in the struggle for civil rights.

In 1961, Henry was one of the key organizers of the Freedom Rides, a series of bus trips through the American South to protest segregation in interstate bus terminals. He was arrested and jailed for his participation, but his efforts helped draw national attention to the civil rights movement.

Henry also played a significant role in the formation of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party (MFDP) in 1964. The MFDP challenged the legitimacy of the all-white Mississippi delegation to the Democratic National Convention, highlighting the exclusion of African Americans from the political process.

Political Career

In addition to his activism, Aaron Henry pursued a career in politics. He was elected to the Mississippi House of Representatives in 1982, where he served until 1996. As a legislator, Henry continued to advocate for civil rights and worked to improve the lives of African Americans in Mississippi.

Henry's political career was marked by his commitment to social justice and equality. He was known for his ability to work across party lines and his dedication to representing the interests of his constituents.

Legacy

Aaron Henry's contributions to the civil rights movement and his political achievements have left a lasting impact on American society. He is remembered as a courageous leader who fought tirelessly for equality and justice.

His work helped pave the way for future generations of African American leaders and activists. Today, Aaron Henry is celebrated as a hero of the civil rights movement, and his legacy continues to inspire those who strive for a more just and equitable society.

References

• Dittmer, John. Local People: The Struggle for Civil Rights in Mississippi. University of Illinois Press, 1994.
• Henry, Aaron. Aaron Henry: The Fire Ever Burning. University Press of Mississippi, 2000.
• "Aaron Henry." Mississippi Encyclopedia. Retrieved from [1].

External Links

• [NAACP Official Website](https://www.naacp.org)
• [Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party History](https://www.crmvet.org/tim/timhis64.htm#1964mfdp)