Shelia P. Moses is the author of the new middle grade novel We Were the Fire: Birmingham 1963. It focuses on the 1963 civil rights protests in Birmingham, Alabama. Her other books include The Legend of Buddy Bush.
Q: What inspired you to write We Were the Fire: Birmingham 1963, and how did you create your character Rufus?
A: I was inspired to write We Were The Fire after visiting Birmingham in 1989 on a personal trip. A few years later, I met [comedian and civil rights activist] Dick Gregory and he told me his journey in Birmingham. It changed my life. Rufus’ character is based on a little boy Dick met in jail.
Q: The Publishers Weekly review of the book says, in part, “With intention, Moses thoughtfully highlights the real-world horrors that Rufus courageously faces—including police, fire hoses, and dogs—and provides levity through his introspective and energetic first-person narration.” What do you think of that description?
A: Rufus had courage! The description is perfect because all the little children had courage. They had to have courage and strength to survive.
Q: How did you research the book, and did you learn anything that especially surprised you?
A: I have spent the last 30 years researching the Civil Rights Movement. Nothing was a surprise. The surprise is.. George Floyd, Sandra Bland, and now Tyre Nichols. How many black people must die!!!
Q: What do you hope readers take away from the story?
A: The truth!
Q: What are you working on now?
A: I am currently working on a coffee-table book, Black and Beautiful: A Photographic History of The Black Family, Before, During and After Slavery. This is the project of my dreams.
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: I write to tell the stories of my people. The true story.
--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with Shelia P. Moses.
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