The Sons of the South

This novel is based on the memoirs of the daughter of an Irish-American Civil Rights worker, Al Downey. He served both the Kennedy and Johnson Administration from 1962-1964 and had a close relationship with Sargent Shriver. It is a poignant look through the eyes of two teenagers at events that rocked history. It culminates in the draft of one the most famous speeches ever penned in America: "I Have a Dream."

About the Author

Maria Downey is a screenwriter and novelist who makes her home in Los Angeles. She has taught in the ghetto schools of downtown Los Angeles in Southern California since 1984. After obtaining a Master's Degrees from Florence, Italy from Dominican University in Studio Art, she began producing feature films with political punch.

After twenty-seven years as an arts instructor in both high schools and community colleges, Downey returned for a second Master's degree in Mass Communications (2006).

Downey's first production, "Vanguard" (2010), an American production, was distributed by Quantum Releasing in Burbank, California. It garnered her a Director's Award from LA Film Festival in 2010. On the wings of that film she acted as director and executive producer on a hard-hitting, action, theatrical release, feature film about the "Troubles" in Northern Ireland circa 1970s. It is set for release in the fall of 2015.