The inspirational life and music of Civil Rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer in one-woman show

In this Aug. 22, 1964 photograph, Fannie Lou Hamer, a leader of the Freedom Democratic party, speaks before the credentials committee of the Democratic National Convention in Atlantic City, N.J. (AP Photo/File)

Civil Rights hero Fannie Lou Hamer will be celebrated in a new play opening at Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company.Fannie: The Music and Life of Fannie Lou Hamer” is a one-woman show about the life of the legendary activist who led a movement for Black voting rights and raised awareness of poverty in America. The play is on stage from June 14 through July 10. Playwright Cheryl West and director Joy Vandervort-Cobb joined “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes via Zoom to talk about this under-recognized activist powerhouse and her moving portrayal by Atlanta actor Robin McGee.

Interview highlights follow below.