OUR STORY
The Fannie Mae Crumsey Foundation was founded in 2013 and established in January 2021 as a non-profit foundation by her grandchildren. We are instrumental in continuing her legacy in making "A better tomorrow for everyone’s good today", through collaboration with private donors, government enities, Churches, and other non-profit organizations. As Mrs. Crumsey would say, “Good, better, best never let it rest until your good is better and your better is best! Because tomorrow will be a better day…” May GOD Bless!
Brief Background of Fannie Mae Crumsey’s Life: Born Fannie Mae Drake on November 15, 1920 in Jefferson GA and died April 25, 2005 in Chattanooga TN. Fannie Mae Crumsey was born on a plantation and had faced oppression and racism since her birth. She was able to use the adversaries she faced into motivational strength to fight for racial unity, equality, and justice. Fannie Mae Crumsey, or “Ms. Fannie” as she was affectionately called, was a prominent activist and instrumental in advocating for equality in the Chattanooga Community; especially in Chattanooga’s black communities. She played a major part in blacks having equal opportunities for employment with the City of Chattanooga. Mrs. Crumsey's courage and determination led her to fight on at the federal level against inequality, oppression, and racial violence. Fannie Mae Crumsey was the lead plaintiff in the landmark federal case: Crumsey v. Justice Knights of the Ku Klux Klan. https://ccrjustice.org/home/what-we-do/our-cases/crumsey-v-justice-knights-ku-klux-klan The Crumsey case provides a legal strategy for "crafting legal remedies" used to pursue justice against "incidents of racially-motivated violence or other actions motivated by hate" to this day. https://ccrjustice.org/home/blog/2017/09/01/post-charlottesville-look-back-how-movement-based-legal-strategies-can-prevent
The Fannie Mae Crumsey Foundation was founded in 2013 and established in January 2021 as a non-profit foundation by her grandchildren. We are instrumental in continuing her legacy in making "A better tomorrow for everyone’s good today", through collaboration with private donors, government enities, Churches, and other non-profit organizations. As Mrs. Crumsey would say, “Good, better, best never let it rest until your good is better and your better is best! Because tomorrow will be a better day…” May GOD Bless!
Brief Background of Fannie Mae Crumsey’s Life: Born Fannie Mae Drake on November 15, 1920 in Jefferson GA and died April 25, 2005 in Chattanooga TN. Fannie Mae Crumsey was born on a plantation and had faced oppression and racism since her birth. She was able to use the adversaries she faced into motivational strength to fight for racial unity, equality, and justice. Fannie Mae Crumsey, or “Ms. Fannie” as she was affectionately called, was a prominent activist and instrumental in advocating for equality in the Chattanooga Community; especially in Chattanooga’s black communities. She played a major part in blacks having equal opportunities for employment with the City of Chattanooga. Mrs. Crumsey's courage and determination led her to fight on at the federal level against inequality, oppression, and racial violence. Fannie Mae Crumsey was the lead plaintiff in the landmark federal case: Crumsey v. Justice Knights of the Ku Klux Klan. https://ccrjustice.org/home/what-we-do/our-cases/crumsey-v-justice-knights-ku-klux-klan The Crumsey case provides a legal strategy for "crafting legal remedies" used to pursue justice against "incidents of racially-motivated violence or other actions motivated by hate" to this day. https://ccrjustice.org/home/blog/2017/09/01/post-charlottesville-look-back-how-movement-based-legal-strategies-can-prevent
From Resilience to Restoration: The Legacy of the Chattanooga Five and Our Fight for Mental Wellness
In 1980, a hateful act of violence sought to silence and terrorize five brave women in Chattanooga. But the perpetrators, members of the Ku Klux Klan, failed. They did not account for the immense courage of our beloved namesake, Fannie Mae Crumsey, Viola Ellison, Lela Mae Evans, Opal Jackson, and Katherine Johnson. These women, who would become known as the "Chattanooga Five," did not just survive; they fought back, winning a landmark civil case that dealt a historic blow to the KKK.
Their victory was a monumental achievement for civil rights, a testament to their unyielding spirit in the face of injustice. It was a fight for physical safety, for legal recognition, and for the soul of a community. Yet, we understand that the scars from such profound trauma are not always visible. The echoes of violence can linger long after the physical wounds have healed, creating hidden battles within the mind and spirit.
The Unseen Wounds of Trauma
The experience of the Chattanooga Five is a powerful reminder that surviving violence is only the beginning of the journey. The emotional and psychological toll of racism, hatred, and violence can be deep and devastating. Trauma can manifest as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), creating invisible barriers to a peaceful and fulfilling life. For too long, the stigma surrounding mental health has forced many, especially in communities that have endured systemic hardship, to suffer in silence.
It is this understanding that forms the very heart of the Fannie Mae Crumsey Foundation. Born from the legacy of a woman who faced down hatred, our mission extends the fight for justice to the realm of mental and emotional well-being. We believe that true justice includes the right to heal.
Carrying the Torch: Our Mission Today
At the Fannie Mae Crumsey Foundation, we are dedicated to dismantling the stigma around mental health and creating a community where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength. We carry the torch of the Chattanooga Five by fighting for a different kind of freedom: freedom from the emotional shackles of trauma.
Our work is focused on:
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Creating Safe Spaces: We provide workshops and support groups where individuals can share their experiences without fear of judgment and learn coping strategies for managing stress and trauma.
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Community Education: We actively work to educate the public about the realities of mental health, challenging misconceptions and fostering a culture of empathy and support.
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Accessible Resources: We connect individuals and families with affordable and culturally competent mental health professionals, ensuring that everyone has access to the care they deserve.
The bravery of Fannie Mae Crumsey and the Chattanooga Five secured a crucial legal victory. Today, the Fannie Mae Crumsey Foundation continues their fight by ensuring that every member of our community has the tools and support needed to win their personal battles for mental wellness.
Join us in honoring their legacy. Together, we can build a future where every mind is valued, every story is heard, and everyone has the opportunity to truly heal.