Amelia Boynton Robinson, a well-known, civil rights leader, was born on August 18, 1911, in Savannah Georgia. Mrs. Boynton is without a doubt one of the most courageous, creative, and self-determined female leaders in African American history, particularly in the state of Alabama. At the age of twenty-one, she became one of the few African Americans who were registered to vote in the state of Alabama. She attended Georgia State Industrial College first. After performing the poem "When Malindy Sings" one day at her church, she was offered enrollment at Tuskegee Institute days later by an instructor at the Institute. She went to Tuskegee Institute and studied home economics. After graduating from Tuskegee Institute she worked for the U.S Department of Agriculture, helping black sharecroppers open their eyes to their personal and political potential. While studying at Tuskegee Institute around the 1930s, she re-acquainted with Samuel William Boynton and married. Mr. Boynton was born on December 4, 1901, in Griffin Georgia. He also graduated from Tuskegee Institute in home economics. Together the two were soon to make a powerful impact within the South. As both home agents, they were able to host meetings at different homes and churches teaching blacks how to improve their home economics. Literacy tests were used to discriminate against blacks from voting, so Amelia used her status as a registered voter to help other African Americans become registered to vote. Samuel used his voting voucher to take them to register. They also taught blacks how to write their name, how to fill out a registration, and how to properly dress when going to register. Amelia became the first African American woman to obtain a seat in Congress in Alabama in 1964, being the first woman to run for office at this time. She earned 10% of the votes when only 5% of votes came from blacks. In 1965, she helped lead the March Across the Edmund Pettus Bridge, known as Bloody Sunday. Out of 600 protestors, 50+ individuals were hospitalized, including herself. She was beaten unconscious during the Bloody Sunday. One of her most rewarding paybacks was being invited to the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by President Johnson because he knew of her hard work. The Boyntons certainly have deemed themselves as two of the most influential civil rights leaders! They put countless of education, time, and effort into ensuring that southern blacks improved their homes and voting rights. Their journey inspired me to continue to pursue my education so that I may pave the way for youth after me. Their story motivates me to continue to be self-determined, while also fulfilling my rights as a citizen. Today, we still endure political barriers and racism, I intend to be a person to contribute to those progressions. Being a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc, we have the program, "A Voteless People is a Hopeless people", which was Amelia's campaign motto for Congress in 1964. Through this program, we can get citizens registered to vote and exercise our voting rights. Through Alpha, I will be able to make a positive impact through voting rights, civil rights, and equal opportunities. Personally, using my education, my public speaking skills, and my knowledge of politics to help educate children after me will ensure that I am continuing the legacy of the Boyntons. The Boytons are an example that education is the passport to liberty and democratic power. The work and efforts of the Boytons shall forever live through me. I would not have voting rights without Amelia or Samuel. I am extremely thankful for their contributions!