Freedom Riders, 1961

Who were the Freedom Riders?

The Freedom Riders were white and black American civil rights activists who took bus journeys across different states to protest against segregation on transport.

When did the Freedom Riders ride the buses?

The Freedom Riders were active between 4th May and 10th December, 1961.

Where did the Freedom Riders ride the buses?

There were 5 main states where they rode buses:

• ❖ Louisiana.
• ❖ Mississippi.
• ❖ Alabama.
• ❖ Georgia.
• ❖ South Carolina.

Who organised the Freedom Riders?

The Freedom Riders were organised by CORE and SNCC members.

Why did the Freedom Riders take bus rides into the Deep South?

To challenge and draw attention to the non-enforcement of a Supreme Court ruling that stated all transport and facilities should be desegregated.

What happened to the Freedom Riders at Anniston?

There were 4 main events at Anniston:

• ❖ The Freedom Riders faced an angry mob of white protesters who attacked the bus. A police escort led the bus away from the city but the mob followed. The driver was forced to pull over as the tyres were damaged.
• ❖ The mob attacked the bus and a firebomb was thrown through one of the smashed windows. The passengers were able to escape when highway patrolmen arrived to prevent more attacks.
• ❖ A second bus was also attacked when it arrived in Anniston, and its passengers beaten up.
• ❖ Eventually, the bus finished its journey in Montgomery. Bull Connor, the police chief, allowed KKK members to attack the passengers.

What results did the Freedom Riders' trips have?

The Freedom Riders' activities had 3 main outcomes:

• ❖ Buses were attacked by Ku Klux Klan members and riders were beaten up.
• ❖ Over 300 riders were sent to jail in Jackson, Mississippi.
• ❖ There were over 60 freedom rides during the summer of 1961.

What were the consequences of the Freedom Riders' actions?

There were 3 main consequences to the rides and retaliations:

• ❖ State police and politicians had supported the KKK, so the actions of its members were a huge embarrassment for the government.
• ❖ President Kennedy intervened by announcing federal officers would be deployed to enforce the desegregation ruling.
• ❖ The southern states therefore took action to desegregate buses and facilities.