In 1973, the city of Rome, Georgia, presented Ethel Hyer with the key to the city, recognizing her decades of service and trailblazing work in the Civil Rights Movement. The honor came as a direct result of her advocacy for human equality, a struggle that unfolded in both large national movements and within the fabric of local communities.
Hyer’s contributions extended beyond broad civil rights goals. She served as the first female president of the Rome Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), holding the position for fifteen years. Her leadership within the NAACP coincided with a period of significant change and activism across the United States, as the movement gained momentum and sought to dismantle segregation.
The recognition from the city of Rome acknowledged the often-unseen work of individuals who formed the backbone of the Civil Rights Movement. Hyer, like many others, dedicated herself to religious, civic, and social organizations within her community, working to advance equality and opportunity.
The presentation of the key to the city occurred during a period when Rome, like many Georgia cities, was grappling with the legacy of segregation. By 1962, nearly 200 school districts across the state remained segregated, including Rome City Schools. The passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1964 would later empower the federal government to compel desegregation through the withholding of funding.
Hyer’s commitment to her community was rooted in her lifelong involvement with Thankful Baptist Church, where she was a member for 65 years. She also attended Spellman College, furthering her education and providing a foundation for her future leadership role. The Rome sit-ins of 1963, one of the first confrontations with the city’s own narratives about race relations, occurred during Hyer’s tenure with the NAACP, highlighting the ongoing struggle for civil rights within the city.
The key to the city serves as an artifact representing a pivotal moment in Rome’s history, acknowledging the contributions of individuals like Ethel Hyer who worked to dismantle segregation and promote equality. The city has not issued a public statement regarding the significance of the key in recent years.
