Volunteers performed a variety of functions. They did clerical work in project offices. They canvassed Black communities and worked on voter registration. They wrote press releases, answered phones, created leaflets, fliers, and picket signs. They taught children in Freedom Schools and adults in literacy/citizenship classes. They organized demonstrations, attended mass meetings, and lined up with Black Mississippians. Many volunteers lived with Black families and formed lasting friendships. Host families fed and housed volunteers. They risked being targeted by White night riders, who viewed volunteers as outside agitators and communists.
Pictured: A black and white photograph of Freedom Summer volunteers. Their arms are crossed and they are hand-in-hand. The front of a bus can be seen on the right side of the photograph.
Credit: TakeStock/The Image Works/TopFoto
