Freedom Rides Flashcards
What were the Freedom Rides?
The Freedom Rides were a series of bus trips taken by interracial groups of activists in 1961 to challenge segregation laws in the South, specifically aimed at desegregating bus terminals.
What was the goal of the Freedom Riders?
The goal was to test the enforcement of the Supreme Court’s ruling in Boynton v. Virginia (1960), which declared segregation on interstate buses and in bus terminals unconstitutional.
When did the first Freedom Ride begin?
The first Freedom Ride began on May 4, 1961.
What cities did the Freedom Riders travel through?
The Freedom Riders traveled through cities in the southern United States, including Birmingham, Montgomery, and Jackson.
How were the Freedom Riders treated by segregationists?
The Freedom Riders were met with violent opposition, including beatings, arrests, and mob attacks, particularly in Alabama.
What organization organized the Freedom Rides?
The Freedom Rides were organized by the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC).
Why did the Freedom Riders face such strong opposition?
They faced opposition because they were challenging deeply entrenched segregationist policies in the South, particularly in public transportation.
How did the federal government respond to the Freedom Rides?
The federal government initially hesitated, but eventually, the Kennedy administration intervened, sending federal marshals to protect the riders and enforcing the desegregation of bus terminals.
What was the significance of the Freedom Rides in the Civil Rights Movement?
The Freedom Rides played a pivotal role in bringing national attention to the civil rights struggle, helping to galvanize public support for stronger civil rights legislation.
How did the Freedom Riders contribute to the desegregation of the South?
The Freedom Riders forced the federal government to take action, leading to the desegregation of interstate bus travel and terminals, which contributed to the broader Civil Rights Movement.
Who was James Farmer?
James Farmer was one of the founders of CORE and a leader in organizing the Freedom Rides.
Who was John Lewis?
John Lewis was a prominent leader of SNCC and one of the most famous Freedom Riders, known for his activism and later his long tenure as a U.S. Congressman.
Who was Diane Nash?
Diane Nash was a key organizer of the Freedom Rides and a leader in the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, known for her courage and leadership in the movement.
Who was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.?
While not directly involved in the Freedom Rides, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a major figure in the Civil Rights Movement and supported the actions of the Freedom Riders, advocating for nonviolent resistance.
Who was Medgar Evers?
Medgar Evers was a civil rights activist in Mississippi and a leader of the NAACP, who was an advocate for racial equality, though not directly involved in the Freedom Rides. His assassination in 1963 helped to further galvanize the movement.
