No one took jail time lightly in Mississippi. Police brutality against prisoners, especially Black activists and White “outside agitators” was real. Those arrested faced physical harm or worse. When the Freedom Riders refused to admit guilt or pay their fines, they were sent to Parchman, where they spent 39 days (the most they could serve and still appeal their convictions). Guards abused them, took their mattresses, and firehosed them for singing freedom songs. Closed windows baked cells during the day. Huge exhaust fans chilled cells at night. Enduring it all, they emerged as folk heroes and hardened Movement activists.
Pictured: A color image of a pair of rubber flip flops worn by Freedom Rider Joan Trumpauer during her time in Hinds County Jail. The soles are tan, with black writing on each that says: “J.T., Freedom Rider ’61, Hinds County Jail.” The straps are black.
Credit: MDAH Collections
