I had the honor of meeting Mrs. Brenda Travis in 2023. Ms. Marilyn Lowen called and asked if I could drive Mrs. Travis from Jackson to the Delta for a two-day event commemorating the 60th anniversary of Freedom Summer. It was a quick yes! That is how our friendship began, in my car, during a two-hour mini-road trip. Mrs. Travis passed away earlier this week at the age of 81. She was among those in McComb who launched a new wave of the Mississippi Movement. Although she published her autobiography in 2018, an early, three-page autobiography is on display at the Two Mississippi Museums. Mrs. Travis wrote it as a teenager in 1961 at Oakley Training School, a juvenile detention center. You can read it below:

Autobiography: Brenda Lavern Travis

Brenda Lavern Travis born in McComb, Pike County, Mississippi, March 16, 1945 to the union of Mr. and Mrs. L.S. Travis, and the fourth child in a family of seven children which includes 2 boys and five girls.

I entered the Universal Elementary School at the age of six completing pre-primer and primer the first year. Each year thereafter I made a grade completing six grades at this school. We went on field trips while I attended Universal Elementary School. The most outstanding was a trip to the National Cemetery at Vicksburg, Mississippi and Livingston Park Zoo in Jackson, Mississippi.

I transferred to Burglund High School in the 7th grade and attended there 3 years completing the 9th grade in the spring of 1961. The subjects I liked best were history, English, and mathmatics [sic]. I was also engaged in many extra-curricula activities. I was a member of the dramatic club and the school chorus.

In 8th grade, for one of my 4-H club projects, I raised 50 chicks and won 2nd prize for my exhibit. I also was a model for the Home Economics fashion show and queen of the N.H.A. ball. In 9th grade, I was an active participant in panel discussions and quizz [sic] programs. I attended our school’s freshman-sophomore ball and was guest at the Booker T. Washington high School prom. Mother never worried about me attending school, because I took it as a pleasant adventure.

In the summer of 1961, I joined the N A A C P, attended every local meeting, went on door-to-door campaigns trying to get the people out to the voters’ registration classes. I attended voters’ registration classes, every local mass meeting, and later joined SNCC. Marion Berry was our principal instructor. We had our first sit-in demonstration on August 26 which involved two boys. Their trials were held on August 29. On August 30, another group was prepared to do another sit-in which included me. I was the only girl who was willing to sacrifice time (or shall I say what most girls call good times, and fun). I did a ‘sit-in’ at the Greyhound bus station in McComb, Mississippi. I was arrested. While in jail I spent many hours singing and praying. I never got lonesome because the Bible was my consolation and I talked with God as if he were a human being. I read Paul’s letters to Timothy, Psalms 119-78, Psalms 126 and Psalms 27. I felt that God pointed this out to me so that I would have nothing to fear.

I was held in jail a few weeks. A bond was finally posted and I was released on September 30, 1961. On October 4, 1961 I tried to enroll in the Burgland High School, McComb, Mississippi. I was not permitted to register. Because of this one-hundred and sixteen students marched off the campus with me. I then led them to the Masonic Temple to pick up signs of protest, and downtown in McComb to the City Hall in an attempt to hold a prayer meeting. I was the second person to try to pray, and was arrested again and taken to the jail at the county seat, Magnolia, Mississippi. On October 6, I was sent to Oakley Training School, Raymond, Mississippi without a hearing. Neither my mother nor I knew that I was on my way to Oakley.

I soon got adjusted to Oakley Training School. I’ve been here six months and my stay has been rich with experiences. Although I have only one class, and that is Home Economics, I rate the highest grade in this class. I get along well with my housemother and the girls in the dormitory. Of course, I have happy moments and sad moments like anyone else.

I’m studying by a schedule which includes prayer three times a day. I attend Sunday School every Sunday and often participate in the discussions. I hope to obtain more knowledge through books which are being sent to me so that I may be able to compete with other students attending high school daily. I’m praying to be released soon so that I may return to my mother and be able to attend a school of my choice.

Signed: Brenda L. Travis