Civil rights pioneer Anne Moody to be part of the Mississippi Freedom Trail

Anne Moody’s book, “Coming of Age in Mississippi,” has remained in print since the first day it was published in December 1968.

CENTREVILLE, Miss. — The Town of Centreville has
been approved for a Mississippi Freedom Trail marker that will honor the legacy
of Anne Moody and her work in the civil rights movement of the 1960s, announced
John Spann, program and outreach officer for the Mississippi Humanities
Council.

Spann shared the news Thursday, Dec. 14, following a
meeting of the Freedom Trail Scholarly Review Committee.

The memorial to Moody will be the first Freedom Trail
marker erected in Wilkinson County. The location has not been determined, but
it will be posted in 2024, according to Spann.

The Mississippi Freedom Trail was created to commemorate
the people and places in the state that played a pivotal role in the American
Civil Rights Movement. As of Dec. 14, a total of 35 new markers have been
approved. The Freedom Trail markers are managed by the Mississippi Humanities
Council, with partnership and funding provided by Visit Mississippi.

Anne Moody (1940-2015) Photo by Jack Schrier

Moody’s family, along with Centreville residents,
business and community leaders, were ecstatic about Moody receiving a Freedom
Trail marker.

“This is exciting news,” said Frances Jefferson, Moody’s
sister. “This will certainly help the current generation to understand the
importance of her work for civil rights and her legacy.”

Felicia Williams, Moody’s cousin and former Centreville
Alderwoman, said the marker will be good for Centreville and for Wilkinson
County.

“I was elated to receive a phone call informing me that
Anne Moody would be honored on the Mississippi Freedom Trail,” she said. “This
is not just an honor for her and her family but also for the Centreville
community. Anne suffered greatly for a cause in which she believed in and a
cause that now allows African Americans to live the long talked about American
dream.”

Moody, who was born and raised in Centreville, was a
civil rights activist and the author of “Coming of Age in Mississippi,” which
chronicles her life as a poor Black girl growing up under Jim Crow. The book
also provides riveting accounts of her work in the struggle for civil rights.

In raw details, Moody wrote about the sacrifices that she
and others made in the fight for freedom and justice. She also recounted the
challenges and threats she faced during nonviolent protests to register voters
and desegregate public spaces.

In 2021, her work as a writer was officially recognized
on the Mississippi Writers Trail. A historical marker recognizing her work was
posted and unveiled in The Louis Gaulden and Riquita Jackson Family Memorial
Park in Centreville.

Moody died at her home in 2015 at the age of 74. At the
time of her death, she was living in Gloster, a small town located nine miles
north of Centreville.

The Reverend Larry Lee, former mayor of Centreville, said
he is happy to see Moody recognized on the Freedom Trail.

“The Mississippi Freedom Trail Marker for Anne Moody is a
great honor to mark the trail blazed through her sacrifice and contribution
during the Civil Rights Movement,” he said. “Anne Moody is an icon for those
who wanted justice, freedom and hope for communities suppressed by the
challenges of racism in Mississippi. I am grateful to the Committee for
choosing to bestow such a great honor in memory of Anne Moody.”

Guy McNabb, president of the Centreville Chamber of
Commerce, agreed. “This is great news!” he said. “Centreville Chamber of
Commerce is honored to have given our letter of  support for a historic
event such as this.”

McNabb said the chamber is proud to be a partner for this
project.

Support for the marker was echoed by Centreville Town
Clerk Kimberly Montgomery. “This is wonderful news,” she said. “Although we
were hoping to recognize Mr. Samuel O’Quinn with this significant marker, I am
equally thrilled to further recognize the works of Anne Moody.”

Montgomery said the new marker will undoubtedly “help to
keep the history of Centreville relevant.”

Photo by Chrissy Wilson Woodville African American Museum

See more at: https://listenupyall.com/2023/12/15/civil-rights-pioneer-anne-moody-to-be-part-of-the-mississippi-freedom-trail/