ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an interview of Reverend Russell and Mrs. Russell, who are an elderly couple who reside in the Mileston community south of Tchula. They were two of the first participants in the Holmes County Movement. In the spring of 1963, the Russells held meetings in their home with other Mileston farmers. Reverend Russell is a religious man dedicated to the gospel and the church. He was the only preacher with the conviction and the courage to lead the Movement. People refused to let him preach in their churches for fear that their church buildings would be vandalized. Reverend Russell preached in his own home until other communities opened up to the Movement. Mrs. Russell has stood beside her husband throughout their life together.
