SPIES OF THE MISSISSIPPI

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 [Published: MAY 2011]