Olivia Jones

A Book by Phillip Brown

Articles, History

MLK Research and Education Institute …

June 18, 2021July 15, 2021 by sysadmin

Jackson-Jimmie-Lee-The-Martin-Luther-King-Jr.-Research-and-Education-Institute

Jaki Brown

"I read the story about Olivia Jones and was totally captivated. The author makes Olivia Jones so intimate with rich details that it will draw in the reader, as it did me, to join Oli on her journey in this beautiful story. Olivia Jones is very well crafted and rich with historical events woven throughout so stunningly it prompts the question, is it a true story? It is not.

Jaki Brown

Hollywood Writer, Producer and three-time Emmy-nominated Prime-time Casting Director

Wynter Floyd (18 years old)

I've never been someone who likes to read; my mama would tell you this. When Mr. Phillip asked me to read the Olivia Jones manuscript I was hesitant-but I finally started reading. I remember stopping to get something to drink and some popcorn. Suddenly I thought, oh shoot, let me get back to the movie I was watching. I opened my computer only to realize that I wasn't watching a movie-I was reading Olivia Jones! I love this story!

Wynter Floyd (18 years old)

Stunt Woman, College Student

Christine Swanson

Not since the films, To Kill a Mockingbird and Stand by Me, have I been so moved and compelled (or riveted) by a story about a child's desire to embark upon an adventure to uncover truths that turns into life lessons. Oli's story is gripping and timeless while providing generous moments of levity, reflection and great storytelling.

Christine Swanson

Director, Writer, Filmmaker

Arnold Gordon-Bray

Phil Brown balances the views of White southerners who were conflicted and committed by segregation, as well as the Black people who are the central figures. The book is easily a movie waiting to happen or a three-part miniseries with the ability to take us on a roller coaster ride of human emotions that comes from love, law, patriotism, duty, racism, friendship and all the challenges they create.

Arnold Gordon-Bray

Ret. Brigadier General / U.S. Army

Cynthia Perkins

I can't get Olivia Jones out of my mind; she reminded me of my childhood growing up in Selma. Olivia's village was filled with love and compassion the same as my village. The writer demonstrated Olivia's passion, energy and determination to help a dear friend. It was filled with suspense and anticipation to the very end, which ended in triumph! This is a must read!

Cynthia Perkins

First Lady / Selma Alabama

Sheri Bernstein

Wow, what a fantastic story. I fell in love with Oli and was completely carried along by the storyline and the strength of Oli's voice. Your ability to weave in the history of the period without the story becoming pedantic and losing its authenticity was really impressive. I found the way you ended the story especially powerful-a coalition of like-minded people, fighting on behalf of Oli's dad.

Sheri Bernstein

Museum Director / Skirball Cultural Center

Diana Love

Phil Brown, author, delivered a beautiful fictional story filled with diversity, cultures, friendships, children's hopes and dreams, adults living with faith and tragedy. I could not put it down and completed reading it in one sitting. This is American history, that as many as possible should have the opportunity to read, share and see on the movie screen. These writings are what I believe are the autobiographies of families that are never told... History is powerful

Diana Love

Political and Community Activist

John-Arthur Ingram

I'm barely halfway through and I can already see the movie: 'To Kill A Mockingbird meets Selma.' A Black girl and her dog on a journey to meet her best friend's dad in hopes of saving him.

John-Arthur Ingram

Writer and Filmmaker

Ben Daley

A compelling, riveting read. I couldn't put it down. This story grabbed me and wouldn't let go. I wanted to know what happened, but I also didn't want it to end. I was inspired by the important history and moved by the powerful story.

Ben Daley

President / High Tech High Graduate School of Education