Spies of Mississippi: The True Story of the Spy Network that Tried to Destroy the Civil Rights Movement

by Rick Bowers

Overview

The Spies of Mississippi is a compelling story of how state spies tried to block voting rights for African Americans during the Civil Rights era. This book sheds new light on one of the most momentous periods in American history.

Author Rick Bowers has combed through primary-source materials and interviewed surviving activists named in once-secret files, as well as the writings and oral histories of Mississippi civil rights leaders. Readers get first-hand accounts of how neighbors spied on neighbors, teachers spied on students, ministers spied on church-goers, and spies even spied on spies.

The Spies of Mississippi will inspire readers with the stories of the brave citizens who overcame the forces of white supremacy to usher in a new era of hope and freedom—an age that has recently culminated in the election of Barack Obama.

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Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781426305955
Publisher:	Disney Publishing Group
Publication date:	01/12/2010
Pages:	120
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.20(h) x 0.80(d)
Lexile:	NC1290L (what's this?)
Age Range:	12 - 17 Years

About the Author

Rick Bowers is a journalist, songwriter, and head of creative projects for the AARP. He lives in Washington D.C.

Wade Henderson is the executive director of the Leadership Commission on Civil Rights.

Editorial Reviews

The story of the most extensive state spying program in U.S. history—The Mississippi State Sovereignty Commission (funded by taxpayers)—during the height of the Civil Rights movement is all the more gripping for Peter Fernandez’s deliberate, understated narration. From voter registration disruption to murder and the false imprisonment of a black Army veteran whose only crime was to attempt to attend college, the events have plenty of drama. Digging through the Commission’s files, Bowers finds politicians and black leaders who were part of the state’s vicious struggle to maintain segregation. Fernandez’s narration excels when quoting the impassioned or ironic texts of civil rights advocates. He makes the entire account compelling. D.P.D. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine

MAY 2011 - AudioFile