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 |
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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
