Writing a book about the Civil Rights struggles in Mississippi is a bit of a departure for me. Although I have authored numerous books, they have primarily concerned my life-long interest in the Civil War. Since I was a child of the Civil Rights era and experienced some of the events that occurred in Mississippi during that time, I thought it would be an interesting subject to revisit. To an extent, this period was Mississippi’s second Civil War.

To tackle a project like this book has been a blessing and a bit of a curse. I’m extremely proud of the people who suffered through these times and have persevered. I am equally ashamed of the people who chose to deny other Americans their inalienable rights based only on the color of their skin. I am also disappointed in those who have forgotten the sacrifices of Medgar Evers and the Mississippi Civil Rights leaders. These people suffered and died so we might live in a better place.
Since doing this book, hometown places now hold two different memories. Some are fond memories dealing with my childhood, while others remind of a time most wished never happened.

I am proud to know that my home state of Mississippi is moving forward. There is no better way to honor those who have fallen, those who persevered and those who live together in harmony than to continue to learn to live together in peace.

[view civil rights photo gallery]