Indiana Little

Indiana Little (1897–1970) was an activist for the voting rights of Black Americans. She is most well known for leading a large march to the voting registrar's office in Birmingham, Alabama on Monday, January 18, 1926. The numbers at the march range from hundreds to one thousand. Little was arrested and released on a bond of $300 or $ in USD today.

Biography Indiana Tuggle was born in Wyatt, Georgia April 15, 1897. Her parents were George and Harriet Tuggle, both of whom were farm laborers. She was the eighth of nine children. She went to school through seventh grade and could read and write. Tuggle married Terrell Little in 1918 and had two children in Georgia, Lessie and Elease, before moving to Birmingham in 1923.

Black suffrage

Background Even though the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified in 1920, white officials in Birmingham and throughout the Southern United States did not allow Black people to vote. Threats of violence and intimidation from white citizens kept Black people, particularly women, from exercising their legal right to the ballot.

Little quickly became known as a prominent and well-respected member of the Black community in Birmingham.

She and those who accompanied her were not allowed to register, and she was arrested and beat for her attempt. While in prison, she was manhandled and struck. Her bail was posted at $300, a value of $ now, and she was released. Her march and arrest sparked nation-wide debate in newspapers through 1930 and inspired subsequent marches in later years.

Late life and death Little remained in Birmingham to her death and stayed active in her community and church. She was president of the Missionary Society, a Sunday school teacher, and the Training Union teacher at the 23rd Street Baptist church. She was finally registered to vote at 55 and voted for the first time in 1957. She died September 22, 1970.