Freedom Riders, 1961 Flashcards
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?
❖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?
❖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.
Which group targeted freedom riders?
KKK
How many freedom riders were sent to jail?
Over 300 riders were sent to jail in Jackson, Mississippi
How many freedom rides were there?
There were over 60 freedom rides during the summer of 1961.
