The civil rights movement is one of the most pivotal chapters in American history, and within that chapter lies countless acts of courage, dignity, and unwavering conviction. From the library reading rooms of Tougaloo College to the lunch counters of Jackson’s Woolworth’s, these moments of peaceful resistance changed the course of race relations and gave voice to a generation determined to dismantle segregation. Now, these powerful stories are documented and preserved through M.J. O’Brien’s groundbreaking books, which bring the full weight and emotion of these historical moments to life.
Two Books. Two Powerful Stories. One Movement.
M.J. O’Brien has devoted his career to documenting the civil rights struggle in Mississippi with meticulous research, primary sources, and compelling storytelling. His two acclaimed books paint a vivid picture of the Jackson Movement and the brave activists who refused to be moved.
“The Tougaloo Nine: The Jackson Library Sit-In at the Crossroads of Civil War and Civil Rights” (2025)
Winner, Mississippi Historical Society 2026 Book of the Year Award
This newly published work tells the story of March 1961, when nine Tougaloo College students walked into a “Whites-only” library in Jackson, Mississippi, sat down, and started to read. This simple, quiet, non-violent act began a “change of tide” in the Magnolia state, highlighting Black discontent with the Jim Crow segregationist system. What makes this sit-in particularly significant is its strategic timing—it was planned to disrupt and provide a counter-narrative to the concurrent all-White Civil War Centennial celebration scheduled for the following day.
O’Brien artfully explores the lives of the nine students and the closed-minded Southern culture they confronted during this first wave of the Jackson Movement, making a powerful point that some of those same currents are evident in our politics today.
“We Shall Not Be Moved: The Jackson Woolworth’s Sit-In and the Movement It Inspired” (2013)
Winner, 2014 Lillian Smith Book Award
“We Shall Not Be Moved” is more than just a historical account—it’s a deeply researched and photographically rich chronicle of one of the most violent sit-ins during the height of the civil rights era. Through the iconic Fred Blackwell photograph and first-person accounts from those who lived through the event, O’Brien provides readers with a front-row seat to history. The book tells the complete story of the Jackson Movement, including the three weeks of demonstrations that put Jackson on the front page of every major newspaper in America.
Tragically, two weeks after the Woolworth’s sit-in, Medgar Evers—the local leader of the movement—was assassinated. O’Brien chronicles this horrific event through the voices of those who endured it, and reveals how these movement figures carried on after their leader was taken down.
Exploring the NotBeMoved.com Site
The notbemoved.com website serves as both a digital archive and a gateway to O’Brien’s important works. Whether you’re a historian, educator, student, or simply someone passionate about civil rights history, the site offers:
- Easy Access to Both Books – Direct links to purchase “The Tougaloo Nine” and “We Shall Not Be Moved” through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the University Press of Mississippi
- Award Recognition – Discover the honors these books have received: the 2014 Lillian Smith Book Award and the 2026 Mississippi Historical Society Book of the Year Award
- Author Insights – Learn about M.J. O’Brien and the personal inspiration behind his work, including how he was captivated by the iconic Fred Blackwell photograph at the Martin Luther King Center for Social Change
- Historical Excerpts – Read selected passages that capture the essence of both sit-ins and the broader Jackson Movement
- A Growing Blog – Articles and reflections that extend the conversation about civil rights, activism, and American history
- Photo Gallery – Visual documentation from the era, including the legendary Fred Blackwell photograph and other historical images
- Community Connection – Stay connected through social media and contact channels
Why This Story Matters Today
Nearly 60 years after the 1963 sit-in, “We Shall Not Be Moved” reminds us of the power of peaceful resistance, the importance of documentation, and the enduring relevance of civil rights struggles. The book serves as an educational resource, a historical record, and a tribute to those who stood (or sat) for justice.
In an era where historical narratives are still being debated and rewritten, having access to well-researched, richly illustrated accounts of pivotal moments like the Jackson sit-in is invaluable. It ensures that we don’t forget where we came from, and it provides guidance for where we need to go.
Getting Started
If you’re interested in learning more about M.J. O’Brien’s civil rights chronicles, visiting notbemoved.com is the perfect place to start. Browse the excerpts, explore the photography, and consider adding one or both of these important books to your library. Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding of the civil rights movement or you’re searching for powerful, meticulously researched reads, O’Brien’s work offers both education and inspiration.
Recommended Reading Order
- Start with “The Tougaloo Nine” (2025) if you want to understand the earliest wave of the Jackson Movement
- Follow with “We Shall Not Be Moved” (2013) to experience the dramatic and violent climax of the movement, including Medgar Evers’ assassination and its aftermath
Or dive in with whichever story calls to you first—both are essential reads for anyone serious about understanding civil rights history.
The sit-in protesters wouldn’t move. Now, their stories move us.
Both “The Tougaloo Nine” and “We Shall Not Be Moved” are available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the University Press of Mississippi. Visit notbemoved.com to learn more, read excerpts, and purchase.