Annie Bell Robinson Devine

Annie Bell Robinson Devine
Born	1912 Mobile, Alabama, United States
Died	September 11, 2000 Canton, Mississippi, United States
Nationality	American
Occupation	Civil Rights Activist, Lawyer
Known for	Civil Rights Movement

Annie Bell Robinson Devine (1912 – September 11, 2000) was a prominent American civil rights activist and one of the first African American women to register to vote in Mississippi. She played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement and was a key figure in the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party.

Early Life and Education

Annie Bell Robinson was born in 1912 in Mobile, Alabama. She grew up in a time when racial segregation and discrimination were prevalent in the southern United States. Despite these challenges, she pursued education and became one of the few African American women of her time to attend college. She graduated from Tougaloo College, a historically black college in Mississippi, where she developed a strong sense of justice and commitment to civil rights.

Civil Rights Activism

Devine's activism began in earnest during the 1960s, a pivotal decade for the Civil Rights Movement. She became involved with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and worked alongside other civil rights leaders to challenge racial discrimination and segregation.

In 1964, Devine was instrumental in the formation of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party (MFDP), which sought to challenge the all-white delegation from Mississippi at the Democratic National Convention. The MFDP's efforts highlighted the exclusion of African Americans from the political process and brought national attention to the civil rights struggle in Mississippi.

Legal Career

In addition to her activism, Devine pursued a career in law. She became one of the first African American women to practice law in Mississippi, using her legal expertise to fight for civil rights and social justice. Her work as a lawyer was deeply intertwined with her activism, as she provided legal support to those who were fighting against racial injustice.

Legacy

Annie Bell Robinson Devine's contributions to the Civil Rights Movement have left a lasting impact on American society. Her courage and determination helped pave the way for future generations of African Americans to participate fully in the political process. She is remembered as a trailblazer who fought tirelessly for equality and justice.

Death

Annie Bell Robinson Devine passed away on September 11, 2000, in Canton, Mississippi. Her legacy continues to inspire those who strive for civil rights and social justice.

See Also

• Civil Rights Movement
• Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party
• Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee

References

• "Annie Devine." Mississippi Encyclopedia. Retrieved from [1].
• "Women in the Civil Rights Movement." National Women's History Museum. Retrieved from [2].