Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Anne Moody's Impact on Her Family and Community

An Interview with Her Sister-in-Law, Sherry Jefferson
By Dr. Stephanie Scott-Sullivan
Guest Post -- Copyright © 2017

#AnneMoody

Note: This guest post is a presentation that was given by Dr. Stephanie Scott-Sullivan on Monday, June 12, 2017, during the Anne Moody Program held by Wilkinson County Correctional Facility in Woodville, Miss. The program was organized by the Committee for the Anne Moody History Project -- Roscoe Barnes III
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Anne Moody
(1940-2015)
Author, Coming of Age in Mississippi
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In the voice of Anne, our very own honoree today:

 “I was sick of pretending, sick of selling my feelings for a dollar a day.” 

“But courage was growing in me too. Little by little it was getting harder and harder for me not to speak out.” 

“I had to live my life as I saw it.”

“It no longer seemed important to prove anything. I had found something outside myself that gave meaning to my life.” 

As I began to read highlights and interview some family members to refresh my memory about the experiences of Anne Moody’s history, I found I could identify with her being born and raised in the south with the ability to endure the hardship of poverty and being raised up in the home with 10 siblings. I too can say I didn’t allow any of this to stand in my way!

So, let us capitalize on her principles, her standards, and her beliefs by establishing a phenomenal momentum that will promote deep personal stories and portraits of a turning point in our nation’s destiny. Furthermore, we as a people must also keep her legacy alive because of what she stood for, accomplished, and what she endured for us as a people.
 
In the voice of Former President Barack Obama, “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”

He also said, “The future rewards those who press on. I don't have time to feel sorry for myself. I don't have time to complain. I'm going to press on.”

And in the voice of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

King also stated, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

The interview

In an effort to better understand the contributions of Anne Moody, I interviewed her sister-in-law, Sherry Jefferson, and her sister, Frances Jefferson. Here’s what they shared:

1. What was most inspiring about Anne Moody to your family and community?

At a time when the black community was living in total fear of the Ku Klux Klan and predominantly white racist law enforcement officials, Anne took a stand and joined the fight for our civil rights. She was and remains an inspiration to her generation of family members and the generations that followed. She instilled the importance of education in her nieces and nephews. The following generation, both nieces and nephews, have now earned college degrees and are successful entrepreneurs. The next generation is poised to follow.

2. What was most unforgettable about her?

She is most unforgettable for her strength and generosity to her immediate family and close friends; and for her wonderful sense of humor, and her beautiful smile. She was strong and always greeted everyone with a smile, IN SPITE OF the adversity she was fighting in her public or private life.

3. What would you as a family member like to take place in memory of her legacy in Centreville, Miss., or on the national level?

Her siblings are planning to build and dedicate a Learning Center in her honor in her hometown of Centreville.

4. How instrumental was she in the lives of her family?

She was and still is an inspiration to her generation, her family, and the generations that follow. We will continue to remind everyone of her legacy and instill in the next generations to never forget her journey and to never take for granted what she and many others fought for. We must continue to move forward and not become complacent.

5. How has her legacy affected this local community as well as other communities?

Her legacy serves as an inspiration to all in her hometown community. It proves the size of your community doesn't matter nor your economic status. If you believe in something, let your voice be heard.

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Dr. Stephanie Scott-Sullivan
Dr. Stephanie Scott-Sullivan is a native of Woodville. She is a graduate of Alcorn State University, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Educational Psychology and a Master's Degree in Guidance Counseling. She holds a Specialist Degree and a Doctor of Education degree in teacher leadership from Walden University. She is a guidance counselor at Williams Winans Middle School in the Wilkinson County School District.
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Editor's Note:
Questions about the Anne Moody History Project may be directed to Roscoe Barnes III via email at doctorbarnes3@gmail.com or roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com For updates on Anne Moody history and the on-going work of this community service project, simply follow this blog or follow AMHP on Twitter (@AnneMoodyHP). #ComingOfAgeinMississippi

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