Freedom Riders

Question 1

1st November 1961

Answer 1

Federal government said Federal officers would enforce desegregation if states did not obey and desegreate bus facilities. Southern States then began to desegregate them.

Question 2

The freedom riders

Answer 2

CORE campaigners ride buses to highlight that desegregation hadn’t happened yet. Many Southern State governors and southern press spoke against them. KKK and WCC members swore to stop them.

Question 3

Anniston , Alabama 15th May 1961

Answer 3

Over 100 KKK members surrounded bus, slashed tyres and smashed windows. Second bus arrived in Anniston. Protestors pulled off bus, beaten up, got back on and left for Birmingham. Eventually ACMHR got riders to the airport.

Question 4

Anniston Alabama events

Answer 4

Bus was firebomebed through broken windows, white police officers on board forced door open and passengers escaped, many beaten up as soon as they got off.