Southport's Secret Suffragist by Elizabeth Stanford Fuller PHD

To The Sect. of above Party,

I am an american colored woman property owner in Brunswick County State of North Carolina and am seeking way to vote by mail if there is a way, because a colored person in my county is unable to vote, because they are colored. Please send me information how to send votes or register to general Headquarters by mail before it is too late to register.

am oblige.

(Miss) Anna A. Clemons

Bx 294 Southport N.C.

The true story of Annie Clemmons (1890-1956), a woman from Southport, North Carolina who believed in the promise of democracy.

Every voice will be heard. Every vote will be counted.

From the Publisher:
Title: Uncovering Southport's Hidden Heroine: Annie Clemmons and the Black Women’s Struggle for Suffrage
Subtitle: Liz Fuller's New Book Illuminates a Forgotten Chapter in Voting Rights History

In her new book, Southport's Secret Suffragist, published in February 2024, author Liz Fuller brings to light the remarkable true story of Annie Clemmons, a resilient Black woman who fought for the right to vote in the early 20th century. Set in the small town of Southport, North Carolina, Fuller’s book provides an engaging and profoundly personal perspective on Annie’s unwavering determination to make her voice heard.

Born in 1890, Annie Clemmons was a valuable member of Southport’s community who worked as a nurse during the Spanish Flu pandemic and joined the Southport Red Cross during World War I. Despite her contributions, she was denied the right to vote due to the discriminatory application of a literary test. Instead of giving up, Annie wrote letters to the National Woman’s Party in Washington, D.C., advocating for her right to vote and documenting the challenges she faced as a Black woman in the South.

Southport’s Secret Suffragist not only sheds light on Annie Clemmons’ story but also delves into the broader themes of race, gender, and voting rights in the United States. Fuller explores the obstacles that Black voters faced in North Carolina, including voter suppression, intimidation, and violence. She also discusses the importance of local history in illuminating the stories of individuals like Annie, who are often overlooked in broader historical narratives.

By focusing on the experiences of everyday people, Fuller’s book offers an intimate connection with history that is often absent in generalized accounts. This connection to the past has the potential to instill pride and inspire change in the present. “Southport’s Secret Suffragist” emphasizes that the fight for voting rights and social justice is not an abstract concept but a deeply personal struggle for those directly affected.

In an era where voter suppression and racial injustice remain pressing issues, the story of Annie Clemmons serves as a reminder of the importance of the individual in the ongoing struggle for equality. Fuller’s book serves as a poignant reminder that even the smallest of actions can make meaningful contributions. She encourages readers to learn from the past, take action in the present, and continue the fight for a more just and equitable society.

In conclusion, Southport's Secret Suffragist is a compelling and timely contribution to the ongoing conversation about race, voting rights, and social justice in America.