Reflections:

Christine Swanson, Director – Writer – Producer

Not since the films “To kill a Mocking Bird” and “Stand By Me” have I so 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.

Ambassador Andrew Young

This young character “Olivia Jones” breathes in the spirit of Amelia Boynton, the mother of the Selma voting rights movement. I knew Amelia for well over 50 years – I didn’t know her during her youth…But I imagine her much like “Olivia Jones,” in that they both showed a tremendous heart and passion – put into action, for the well being of others. At 10 years old Amelia was helping her mother get out the white women vote in her hometown Savana, Georgia. She had a spirit that carried her all the way through President Obama’s 2012 campaign – where she help to get out the vote at 101 years old. Reading “Olivia Jones” compelling journey, I couldn’t help to think of the indomitable spirit of Amelia Boynton. I believe this story is right for these times… Young people are searching for their voice – – their power!

Phil Brown has written a most compelling story that gives honor to Alabama’s rich civil/voting rights history. But it’s only fitting in that Phil and his wife Lisa have taken the baton passed to them from his dad, my friend Jim Brown who was engaged in the voting rights struggle with us.

“Even through historical fictions like Olivia Jones, many lessons can be learned through her story.”

General Arnold Gordon-Bray

Phil Brown’s manuscript of “Olivia Jones” is at the very least an extremely entertaining read. At its most impactful understanding, Olivia Jones is historical fiction into the minds of many southerners of the late fifties and sixties. As a Black South Carolinian, with roots throughout the south, including, much of the portions of Alabama where the story takes place, I was mentally transported in Phil Brown’s work. I was placed squarely in age of understanding the impacts of the Civil Rights Act of 1965 , the abuses of that led to the fall of Jim Crow and the aftershocks from its survivors. As an Army veteran with over thirty-five years and almost two-hundred years of collective family service in every major war, including Vietnam I remember the dinner table discussions, community outrage and newspapers. Earlier I used the term “southerners” because 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 of the manuscript. 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. I hope the readers and reviewers enjoy Olivia Jones as much as I did.

Phillip A. Brown Contact Info

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Philbrown2020@yahoo.com

+1(619)840-2024