As the Freedom Riders made their way South, they intended to integrate bus station waiting rooms, lunch counters, and public restrooms, testing enforcement of the recent Supreme Court decision outlawing segregation in interstate travel. They expected to provoke opposition that would compel the federal government to enforce the law. After a quiet stop in Atlanta, they were met with violence in Alabama, turning the Freedom Rides into international news. However, the Riders were reinforced with fresh volunteers and would not be deterred.
Pictured:
A black and white photograph of Freedom Riders loading into a police wagon after leaving a white waiting room. On the right, a news reporter stands behind an officer. In the center, two Freedom Riders make their way into the police wagon. In the background, a sign reading “White Waiting Room/Intrastate Passengers” hangs above the entrance to the bus terminal waiting room.
Credit:
Bettman Collection/Getty Images