At the height of the Civil Rights Movement, a series of bus journeys were undertaken by activists to challenge segregation in interstate transportation in the Southern United States. Known as the Freedom Rides, these bus trips were conducted by the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), Interracial groups of riders boarded buses bound for Southern cities to test compliance with Supreme Court rulings banning segregation in interstate travel.
The riders encountered violent opposition from white supremacists, who attacked buses and assaulted participants. Despite the danger, the Freedom Riders persisted, drawing national attention to the brutality of segregation and prompting federal intervention to enforce desegregation laws.
Their courageous actions helped to galvanize support for the Civil Rights Movement and led to the Interstate Commerce Commission issuing regulations prohibiting segregation in interstate transportation. The Freedom Rides symbolized the commitment of ordinary citizens to challenge injustice and advance the cause of civil rights in America.
The Joy Trip Project celebrates the enduring legacy of Black American History. The Unhidden Minute is part of the Unhidden Podcast Project supported through a National Geographic Explorer Grant from the National Geographic Society, with the cooperation of the National Park Service. This series elevates the untold stories of Black American historical figures, events and cultural contributions.
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The Freedom Rides