The 12-year-old Boy in the Closing Chapter of 'Coming of Age in Mississippi'

Remembering Dr. Gene Young

By Roscoe Barnes III
Chairman, Anne Moody History Project
Copyright (c) 2019

#AnneMoody

Dr. Gene Young (1951-2011)
Photo by Frost Illustrated newspaper

When you read the final chapter of Anne Moody's book, Coming of Age in Mississippi, you see a 12-year-old boy named Gene Young. He's sitting on a bus and calling out to Moody.

"Hey Moody! C'mon get on, we're going to Washington!" Moody recalled. When she sat down and closed her eyes, Young got her attention.

"C'mon, Annie Moody, wake up! Get the Spirit on!" little Gene yelled right in my ear. I opened my eyes and looked at him.

Young is one of many immortalized by Moody. On the pages of her book, she gave us the names and stories of many unsung heroes. The longevity of her memoir means their stories will not be forgotten. In her own way, and possibly without realizing what she was doing, she cemented their place in history. Whenever and wherever her story is told, their names will be noted along with hers.

Young, who went on to earn a doctorate, spent most of his life fighting for freedom, justice and equality. He became a lecturer and prominent speaker. He participated in a number of historic cases involving the struggle for civil rights. Young died of cancer March 30, 2011 at the age of 60.

Below are a few links that present stories and interesting tidbits of information on his life history. Check them out.

Gene C. Young, Ph.D.
(1951 — 2011)
Visit: https://www.crmvet.org/vet/youngg.htm

Gene Young
Jackson Free Press
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Visit: http://m.jacksonfreepress.com/news/2010/sep/01/gene-young/

Gene Young (His Passing)
Jackson Free Press
Monday, April 4, 2011
Visit: http://m.jacksonfreepress.com/news/2011/apr/04/gene-young/

Dr. Gene Young to bring legacy of activism to MLK Club's Unity Day Celebration
Visit: http://dev.little.am/frostillustrated.com/atf.php-sid=8176.html

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Want to know more about Anne Moody?

Visit here to see the timeline of

important events in her life history!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For more information: 
See the Anne Moody page here.
Questions about the Anne Moody History Project may be directed to Roscoe Barnes III Ph.D. 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