Anne Moody to be featured in short film by the Miss. Library Commission

By Roscoe Barnes III

Chairman, Anne Moody History Project

Copyright © 2017

#AnneMoody

#MSLitMap

Library Services Director Tracy Carr, left, and Ally Mellon of the Mississippi Library Commission, attending the Anne Moody Day Celebration on Sept. 15, 2017, in Centreville, Miss.

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The Mississippi Library Commission (MLC) is working on a short film about the life history of civil rights pioneer Anne Moody (1940-2015). Moody, who grew up in Wilkinson County in southwest Mississippi, wrote the best-selling autobiography, Coming of Age in Mississippi. Although first published in 1968, the book remains in print to this day.

Library Services Director Tracy Carr said she and her staff are excited about the project, which will basically highlight Moody’s writing career. It will be available to the public through MLC’s YouTube channel in early 2018.

“The film will be a three to four minute documentary that looks at who she is and why she should be read,” Carr said, adding Moody is the first Mississippi author to be filmed by the commission. A film is also being planned for author Lewis Nordan.

“We selected Anne Moody for the film because despite being a powerful voice in Mississippi literature, she’s often overlooked,” Carr explained. “We hope to change that with the film.”

Filming is being done by Susan Liles. Shooting started in September during the Anne Moody Day Celebration in Centreville, Miss., Moody’s hometown. It was during the celebration that the town of Centreville issued a proclamation for Anne Moody Day and unveiled the "Anne Moody Street" sign.

Carr attended the ceremony along with Liles and staff member Ally Mellon. They met with Moody’s son, Sasha Straus, as well as her siblings, Adline Moody, Fred Moody Jr., and Ralph Jefferson. The film will include interviews with the family members, according to Carr.

Earlier this year, MLC featured Moody on the new Mississippi Literary Map. Carr noted at the time: “Moody’s powerful, unwavering voice of her life and experiences provides readers—especially Mississippians—with a descriptive portrait of a specific slice of history.”

Woodville Public Library Director Loretta Lewis said she was pleased to learn of the film project.

"I am gratified that Anne Moody is being remembered and recognized for her literary contributions,” she said. “She is an inspiration and role model for potential authors in our community."

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Would you like to know more about Anne Moody?

Visit the Anne Moody page here!

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References/Resources:

Mississippi Library Commission

http://mlc.lib.ms.us

Mississippi Literary Map

http://msreads.lib.ms.us/mslitmap

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For more information: 

See the Anne Moody page here.

Questions about the Anne Moody History Project may be directed to Roscoe Barnes IIIvia 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