Pushing Forward

by Hezekiah Watkins, Andrea Ledwell

In 1961, young Hezekiah Watkins was arrested at the Greyhound bus station in Jackson, Mississippi, at the age of 13 where he was sent in a paddy wagon to Mississippi State penitentiary, known as Parchman Penitentiary, and placed on death row. His crime?

Allegedly participating with a group known as the Freedom Riders who had embarked on a journey from Washington D.C. to New Orleans to push for equal rights for African-Americans, while also desegregating bus terminals throughout the south.

After spending five days at Parchman, Hezekiah’s life would forever be changed. He would continue his involvement in Mississippi’s fight for equality, resulting with him being arrested over 100 times more in years to follow. These experiences guided him along a path to focus on improving the quality of life for African-Americans everywhere, eventually resulting in Hezekiah’s recognition by the 112th Congress of the United States for his service to Mississippi and to mankind.

Pushing Forward tells the story of a young man who became a grown-up overnight, and whose life continues to focus on serving a much of greater cause.

Genres: Nonfiction

114 pages

Published June 1, 2019

Reviews

[Dan Ream · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the honor of meeting Hezekiah Watkins on a slow day at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson, Mississippi in September, 2023, where he was serving as a docent or guide. He showed us 1961 mugshot in the Freedom Riders exhibit and told us of his being arrested at the Jackson bus station and sent to Parchman Farm, the Mississippi state penitentiary for 5 days, despite his being only 13 years old. He asked where we were from and showed us the photo of a young woman Freedom Rider from Virginia, like ourselves. Our 10-minute conversation with Mr. Watkins was one of the highlights of our self-guided civil rights history road trip. Only that night, when searching his name online did we discover that he had written this book - he never even mentioned it to us. Thus, when this book arrived by mail, I was eager to read it and was not disappointed when I read it- his story here well told. I recommend this book, as well as the excellent Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson. With luck, you may meet Mr. Watkins there too.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book holds a special place in my heart because I met the author a few months ago at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. He personally told me his story about being a Freedom Rider and ending up in Parchman decades ago. I picked up the book in the gift shop on my way out that day and am so glad I did. The writing style is very casual, as if Mr. Watkins were telling you the story of his life over a meal.
Would definitely recommend!

[Swayze Rainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of hearing Mr. Hezekiah speak a few weeks ago about his unique story. This account of his life is moving. I treasure his words & bravery as he fought for justice in Mississippi.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met Hezekiah Watkins when I was on a Living Legacy Project pilgrimage in October 2023 and we visited the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. He is an excellent story teller, both in person and in his memoir. This small volume is an important addition to the other first-hand accounts by the foot soldiers of the Modern Civil Rights Movement. Mr. Watkins’ willingness to share with honesty both the trauma and the joy of that work leaves us all better off, and inspired to continue the work that must still be done.

[Megan Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the honor of meeting Mr. Watkins at the Civil Rights Museum in Jackson, MS and hearing him tell his life story in person. I was so moved by his speech that I had to buy this book.

His story is incredible, and it’s crazy to think that all this happened not so long ago. I would recommend everyone read this book.

My only complaint is that this needed much more editing for grammatical errors.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a vital read these days. I had the honor of meeting Mr. Watkins at the Jackson Civil Rights Museum after hearing him speak to a group of fifth graders about his story. I story I regretfully didn’t know many details about before my visit to the museum. Mr. Watkins is a light - and this book is a stark reminder of its topic’s importance in American society today

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting first person look at the Civil Rights Movement

[Leila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost as incredible as Mr. Heck himself.

[Linene · Rating 3 out of 5]

A personal perspective of the Freedom Riders from the Civil Rights Movement.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very interesting story from the Civil Rights Movement & it’s worth knowing that not everyone entered the Movement. That’s not to say there was a lack of passion or commitment, just different routes. It is sad to hear what the author went through as a boy in the justice system in those days. It’s horrifying to read about the panic that his mother went through at the same time & it is completely justified for her to have panicked in the way that she did. I did enjoy seeing the differences in life expectations between Mr. Watkins & his mother.

Though, I have read books that have been a bit better written. That’s what places this at a 3-Star rating. I’m glad that I read this book, though.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to meet Mr Watkins on a recent visit to Jackson, MS and am grateful to have read his book to learn more about a part of history that is either under taught or passed over. Our nation, our world and our future generations deserve better and learning more about the experiences of the Freedom Riders (as well as general citizens of the Jim Crow south) is a great place to begin the lesson!