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Why Be a Freedom Rider?

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Why Be a Freedom Rider? American Experience

Premiered February 06, 2012
Why Be a Freedom Rider?

In this video from 1961, two Freedom Riders explain what they're doing.

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Episode Extras

Watch a preview of Freedom Riders.
Watch (10:12)
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Chapter 1 | Freedom Riders

Learn about the 1961 Freedom Rides from the Freedom Riders themselves.
Watch (01:35)
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A Simple, But Daring Plan

Irene Morgan fought her 1944 arrest for sitting in the front of an interstate bus.
Watch (00:52)
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Before Rosa Parks, There Was Irene Morgan

Even in prison, the Freedom Riders found ways to advocate for their beliefs.
Watch (02:16)
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Buses Are A-Coming

Two activists reflect on what the Freedom Rides meant for the Civil Rights movement.
Watch (01:03)
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Down Freedom's Main Line

Rebroadcasts Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 8:00 p.m. ET. Check your local listings.
Watch (00:30)
Preview

Freedom Riders Preview

Civil rights activists rehearsed non-violence, and were prepared to face violence.
Watch (01:03)
Clip

Practicing Non-Violence

May 1961, a busload of Freedom Riders were confronted by an angry mob in Montgomery, AL.
Watch (02:08)
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This Was Absolute War

For African-Americans, travel in the segregated South was insulting at best.
Watch (00:28)
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Travelling in the Segregated South

In this video from 1961, two Freedom Riders explain what they're doing.
Watch (00:36)
Clip

Why Be a Freedom Rider?

Carter asked Americans to cut down their energy usage during a fireside chat in 1977.
Watch (01:37)
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Carter on the Economy: Energy Crisis

Alicia Skeeter talks with her peers about the words of civil rights leader James Farmer.
Watch (01:41)
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Alicia Skeeter: James Farmer Quotes

Charles Reed Jr. discusses his thoughts at the end of the 2011 Student Freedom Ride.
Watch (02:59)
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Day 10: Charles Reed Jr.

The final post from the Student Freedom Rider Jason McGaughey.
Watch (02:43)
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Day 10: Jason McGaughey

Erica Shekell's video of reconciliation in Anniston, Alabama.
Watch (02:54)
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Reconciliation in Anniston

Student Freedom Rider Esther Kim sings and plays "We Shall Overcome" on the ukulele.
Watch (03:59)
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Day 10: Esther Kim

The final video of 2011 Student Freedom Rider Erica Shekell.
Watch (02:57)
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Day 10: Erica Shekell

Student Tania Smith's video about the importance of music to the Freedom Riders.
Watch (01:29)
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Day 10: Tania Smith

Sarah Cheshire interviews original riders Jim Zwerg and Joan Mulholland.
Watch (02:49)
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Day 7: Sarah Cheshire

The student freedom riders attend a concert in the 16th Street Baptist Church.
Watch (00:38)
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Day 7 at the 16th Street Church

Francisco Diaz asks his fellow riders what music inspires them.
Watch (03:06)
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Day 8: Francisco Diaz

Student freedom rider Michael Tubbs speaks to students at Jim Hill High School.
Watch (02:56)
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Michael Tubbs Speaks at Jim Hill High School

Doaa Dorgham films her fellow Student Freedom Riders' doing their own "freedom dances."
Watch (01:19)
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Day 9: Doaa Dorgham

Karl Kumodzi shows the enthusiastic welcome received by the 2011 Freedom Ride.
Watch (01:53)
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Day 10: Karl Kumodzi

Student Freedom Rider JoyEllen Freeman interviews Montgomery, AL native Stephanie Burton.
Watch (01:47)
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Day 9: JoyEllen Freeman

Be one of 40 college students to join original Freedom Riders in retracing the 1961 Rides.
Watch (02:55)
Preview

2011 Student Freedom Ride

Benjameen describes three things he has learned on the 2011 Student Freedom Ride.
Watch (02:53)
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Day 10: Benjameen Quarless

Student Freedom Rider Rachael DeMarce places her name on the Wall of Tolerance.
Watch (00:46)
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Day 10: Rachael DeMarce

Student Freedom Rider Meghna Chandra shares some of her favorite moments from Day 8.
Watch (02:06)
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Day 8: Meghna Chandra

2011 Student Freedom Rider Will Dale reflects on the last few days of the ride.
Watch (01:21)
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Day 9: Will Dale

Erica Shekell reflects on her time as a 2011 Student Freedom Rider.
Watch (02:53)
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Day 6: Erica Shekell

Student Freedom Rider Anna Nutter describes her personal feelings about non-violence.
Watch (02:54)
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Day 8: Anna Nutter

In Montgomery, AL, Student Freedom Rider Collis Crews reflects on hate crimes.
Watch (02:42)
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Day 8: Collis Crews

Jayanni Webster asks her fellow Student Freedom Riders what are their greatest passions.
Watch (02:44)
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Day 8: Jayanni Webster

Kaitlyn describes watching the film now knowing several of the original Freedom Riders
Watch (01:59)
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Day 8: Kaitlyn Whiteside

Samantha Williams interviews Riders on their feelings about "the N word".
Watch (01:39)
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Day 8: Samantha Williams

Carla Orendorff films her fellow Student Riders writing messages on the sidewalk in chalk.
Watch (02:49)
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Day 9: Carla Orendorff

Davy Knittle asks his fellow Student Freedom Riders where their courage comes from.
Watch (02:41)
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Day 9: Davy Knittle

Maricela Aguilar describes the variety of causes important to her fellow Student Riders.
Watch (02:38)
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Day 9: Maricela Aguilar

Rachael's application for the 2011 Student Ride led to a special chat with her grandmother
Watch (02:57)
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Day 9: Rachael DeMarce

Airs Monday, May 16, 2011 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT Check your local listings.
Watch (02:16)
Preview

Freedom Riders Theatrical Trailer

The original Freedom Riders revisit the site of their 1961 arrest in Jackson, MS.
Watch (01:33)
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Helen and Bob Singleton

An introductory video to Lu-Anne Haukaas Lopez, one of the forty Student Freedom Riders.
Watch (00:49)
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Lu-Anne Haukaas Lopez: Student Freedom Rider

An introduction to the 40 student freedom riders.
Watch (02:30)
Preview

Meet the Riders

An introductory video to Nathan Roberson, one of the forty 2011 Student Freedom Riders.
Watch (01:20)
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Nathan Roberson: Student Freedom Rider

Anna Nutter ponders why she was chosen to participate in the 2011 Student Freedom Ride.
Watch (02:57)
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Day 4: Anna Nutter

Student Freedom Rider Carla Orendorff considers economic disparity.
Watch (02:52)
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Day 6: Carla Orendorff

Behind the scenes with the Student Freedom Riders on Day 7 of the 2011 Ride.
Watch (01:59)
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Day 7: Bakhrom Ismoilov

Rajlakshmi De interviews students about the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.
Watch (02:47)
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Day 7: Rajlakshmi De

Student Freedom Rider Michellay Cole's Diary of a Freedom Rider, part 2.
Watch (02:09)
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Day 8: Michellay Cole, Diary of a Freedom Rider

John Seigenthaler describes telling his grandson the story of the Freedom Rides.
Watch (02:58)
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"Race still matters, Jack," from John Seigenthaler

Jason McGaughey asks his fellow Student Freedom Riders their definitions of reconciliation
Watch (02:59)
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Day 5: Jason McGaughey

Student Freedom Rider LeRoy Ford reflects on the 2011 visit to Anniston, AL.
Watch (02:44)
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Day 6: LeRoy Ford

"Nonviolence is creative" Davy Knittle raps in Marshall Houston's video.
Watch (01:32)
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Day 6: Marshall Houston

Student Freedom Rider Tariq Meyers described the power of love to enable healing.
Watch (02:27)
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Day 7: Tariq Meyers

Part 1 of Student Freedom Rider Charles Reed's video journal.
Watch (01:55)
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Day 5: Charles Reed Jr.

In historically significant Anniston, AL, Esther Kim observes similarities to her hometown
Watch (02:56)
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Day 5: Esther Kim

Student Freedom Rider Karl Kumodzi reflects on the 2011 Ride's visit to Anniston, AL.
Watch (02:57)
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Day 5: Karl Kumodzi

Lu-Anne Haukaas Lopez sings Freedom Songs with Earnest "Rip" Patton.
Watch (02:34)
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Day 5: Lu-Anne Haukaas Lopez

Alicia Skeeter asks what will be left in Anniston, AL after the bus leaves.
Watch (01:34)
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Day 6: Alicia Skeeter

Two Student Freedom Riders perform a slam poem they wrote, "Equality."
Watch (01:46)
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Day 6: May Mgbolu and Ryan Price

Student Freedom Rider Zilong Wang discusses injustices around the world today.
Watch (01:53)
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Day 6: Zilong Wang

"This Little Light of Mine," by Charles Jones and the 2011 Student Freedom Riders.
Watch (01:53)
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Charles Jones

Freedom Rider Rev. Reginald Green sings to the 40 student riders.
Watch (01:01)
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Freedom Rider Reverend Reginald Green

Student Freedom Rider Ben Quarless reads a poem he composed.
Watch (02:05)
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Day 4: Benjameen Quarless

Student Freedom Rider Collis Crews describes exhibits at the Civil Rights Museum.
Watch (01:27)
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Day 4: Collis Crews

What are the questions that Americans do not ask themselves about race?
Watch (02:17)
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Day 4: Davy Knittle

Doaa Dorgham interviews North Carolina students on the civil rights movement.
Watch (02:58)
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Day 4: Doaa Dorgham

Student Rider JoyEllen Freeman asks Ernest "Rip" Patton whether he experienced self doubt.
Watch (02:26)
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Day 4: JoyEllen Freeman

Student Freedom Rider Lily Astiz captures the deeper and lighter moments of the 2011 ride.
Watch (02:48)
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Day 4: Lily Astiz

Student Freedom Rider Michael Tubbs "sees the light."
Watch (01:25)
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Day 4: Michael Tubbs

Student Freedom Rider Pete Davis discusses his generation's desire for vessels for action.
Watch (01:39)
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Day 4: Pete Davis

Student freedom rider Rachael DeMarce shares some exciting news.
Watch (01:42)
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Day 4: Rachael DeMarce

Samantha Williams' interview with undocumented Student Freedom Rider Maricela Aguilar.
Watch (02:48)
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Day 4: Samantha Williams

Student freedom rider Will Dale reacts to his time on the bus.
Watch (01:42)
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Day 4: Will Dale

Student Freedom Rider Jayanni Webster discusses bringing together collective energy.
Watch (01:28)
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Day 1: Jayanni Webster

Student rider Maricela Aguilar talks about the power of the youth movement.
Watch (02:56)
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Day 3: Because We Knew it was Right

Student Freedom Rider Francisco Diaz interviews his peers about filmmaking and activism.
Watch (02:50)
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Day 3: Filmmakers as Activists

John Walker gets reactions to the International Civil Rights Center and Museum.
Watch (02:52)
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Day 3: John Walker

Student Freedom Rider Meghna Chandra asks what her peers do to facilitate change at home.
Watch (03:00)
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Day 3: Meghna Chandra

Samantha Williams interviews undocumented Student Freedom Rider Maricela Aguilar.
Watch (02:09)
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Day 3: Samantha Williams

A profile of Doaa Dorgham, one of the 40 student freedom riders.
Watch (02:36)
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Meet Doaa Dorgham

Bakhrom Ismoilov asks fellow students about their first two days on the 2011 Freedom Ride.
Watch (02:56)
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Day 2: Bakhrom Ismoilov

Diana Mahoney interviews fellow student freedom riders about the southern perspective.
Watch (02:00)
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Day 2: Diana Mahoney

Marshall Houston asks: What is my identity? What are my beliefs? And what are my actions?
Watch (01:50)
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Day 2: Marshall Houston

Michellay Cole's Diary of a Freedom Rider interviews three of the Original Freedom Riders.
Watch (01:49)
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Day 2: Michellay Cole, Diary of a Freedom Rider

Student Rajlakshmi De talks to Freedom Rider Helen Singleton about her own mother.
Watch (02:27)
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Day 2: Mother's Day Recollections

Sarah Cheshire asks, What does the concept of enacting social change mean?
Watch (02:32)
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Day 2: Sarah Cheshire

Day 2: Student Freedom Ride -- Follow Their Journey
Watch (00:40)
Preview

Day 2: Student Freedom Ride

Student rider Tariq Meyers draws parallels between the 2011 Riders and the story of Jacob.
Watch (02:59)
Clip

Day 2: Tariq Meyers

Carla Orendorff reflects on Day 1 of the 2011 Student Freedom Ride.
Watch (02:34)
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Day 1: Carla Orendorff

Carla Orendorff talks to her 39 fellow student freedom riders.
Watch (02:36)
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Day 1: Carla's

Kaitlyn Whiteside talks about Day 1 of the 2011 Student Freedom Ride.
Watch (01:07)
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Day 1: Kaitlyn Whiteside

LeRoy Ford talks about the speakers of Day 1 of the 2011 Student Freedom Ride.
Watch (02:38)
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Day 1: LeRoy Ford

May Mgbolu speaks about the first day of the 2011 Student Freedom Ride.
Watch (01:26)
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Day 1: May Mgbolu

Ryan Price, 2011 Student Freedom Rider, reflects on Day 1.
Watch (02:38)
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Day 1: Ryan Price

Stephanie Burton reflects on Day 1 of the 2011 Student Freedom Ride.
Watch (00:47)
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Day 1: Stephanie Burton

An interview by Zilong Wang, 2011 Student Freedom Rider, on Day 1.
Watch (01:21)
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Day 1: Zilong Wang

Singing and riding the bus from Washington, D.C. to Fredericksburg, VA.
Watch (01:31)
Preview

Day 2: From DC to Fredericksburg, VA

2011 Student Freedom Rider Robert Sgrignoli shares his perspective.
Watch (02:57)
Clip

Day 2: Robert Sgrignoli

"As human beings, we have a right to truth," says Alicia Skeeter.
Watch (01:43)
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Student Freedom Ride Day 1: Alicia Skeeter

Scenes from the kickoff of the 2011 Student Freedom Ride.
Watch (02:20)
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2011 Student Freedom Ride Kickoff

Freedom Rider Bernard Lafayette sings a song before the 2011 Student Freedom Ride begins.
Watch (00:20)
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Freedom Rider Bernard Lafayette Sings

A profile of Ryan Price, one of the 40 student freedom riders.
Watch (02:59)
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Meet Ryan Price

A profile of Peter Davis, one of the 40 student freedom riders.
Watch (01:59)
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Meet Peter Davis

Meet Rob Sgrignoli, one of the 40 student freedom riders.
Watch (01:37)
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Meet Robert Sgrignoli

A profile of Tariq Meyers, one of the 40 student freedom riders.
Watch (02:59)
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Meet Tariq Meyers

A profile of Zilong Wang, one of the 40 student freedom riders.
Watch (02:59)
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Meet Zilong Wang

A profile of Liliana Astiz, one of the 40 student freedom riders.
Watch (02:33)
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Meet Liliana Astiz

A profile of Tania Smith, one of the 40 student freedom riders.
Watch (02:46)
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Meet Tania Smith

An introductory video to Karl Kumodzi, one of the forty 2011 Student Freedom Riders.
Watch (01:42)
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Karl Kumodzi: Student Freedom Rider

A profile of Charles Reed, Jr., one of the 40 student freedom riders.
Watch (01:30)
Clip

Meet Charles Reed, Jr.

Future Freedom Riders were trained in nonviolence.
Watch (04:15)
Clip

The Fresh Troops: A Short Film from Freedom Riders

Former students in the 1960s South recount the difficulty of the practice of nonviolence.
Watch (04:55)
Clip

The Tactic: A Short Film from Freedom Riders

The state of Mississippi's plan to bankrupt CORE backfired on August 14, 1961.
Watch (03:44)
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The Turning Point: A Short Film from Freedom Riders

Janie McKinney was twelve years old when the Freedom Riders came through her hometown.
Watch (04:59)
Clip

The Young Witness: A Short Film from Freedom Riders

An introductory video to Alicia Skeeter, one of the forty 2011 Student Freedom Riders.
Watch (00:56)
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Alicia Skeeter: Student Freedom Rider

An introductory video to Anna Nutter, one of the forty 2011 Student Freedom Riders.
Watch (02:36)
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Anna Nutter: Student Freedom Rider

An introductory video to Bakhrom Ismoilov, one of the forty 2011 Student Freedom Riders.
Watch (00:55)
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Bakhrom Ismoilov: Student Freedom Rider

An introductory video to Benjameen Quarless, one of the forty 2011 Student Freedom Riders.
Watch (00:24)
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Benjameen Quarless: Student Freedom Rider

An introductory video to Carla Orendorff, one of the forty 2011 Student Freedom Riders.
Watch (01:34)
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Carla Orendorff: Student Freedom Rider

An introductory video to Charles Reed Jr., one of the forty 2011 Student Freedom Riders.
Watch (01:39)
Clip

Charles Reed, Jr: Student Freedom Rider

An introductory video to Collis Crews, one of the forty 2011 Student Freedom Riders.
Watch (01:00)
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Collis Crews: Student Freedom Rider

An introductory video to Davy Knittle, one of the forty 2011 Student Freedom Riders.
Watch (01:04)
Clip

Davy Knittle: Student Freedom Rider

An introductory video to Diana Mahoney, one of the forty 2011 Student Freedom Riders.
Watch (01:38)
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Diana Mahoney: Student Freedom Rider

An introductory video to Doaa Dorgham, one of the forty 2011 Student Freedom Riders.
Watch (01:08)
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Doaa Dorgham: Student Freedom Rider

An introductory video to Erica Shekell, one of the forty 2011 Student Freedom Riders.
Watch (02:18)
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Erica Shekell: Student Freedom Rider

An introductory video to Esther Kim, one of the forty 2011 Student Freedom Riders.
Watch (00:34)
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Esther Kim: Student Freedom Rider

An introductory video to Francisco Diaz, one of the forty 2011 Student Freedom Riders.
Watch (00:50)
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Francisco Diaz: Student Freedom Rider

An introductory video to Jason McGaughey, one of the forty 2011 Student Freedom Riders.
Watch (01:20)
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Jason McGaughey: Student Freedom Rider

An introductory video to Jayanni Webster, one of the forty 2011 Student Freedom Riders.
Watch (00:51)
Clip

Jayanni Webster: Student Freedom Rider

An introductory video to John Walker, one of the forty 2011 Student Freedom Riders.
Watch (00:23)
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John Walker: Student Freedom Rider

An introductory video to JoyEllen Freeman, one of the forty 2011 Student Freedom Riders.
Watch (00:45)
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JoyEllen Freeman: Student Freedom Rider

An introductory video to Kaitlyn Whiteside, one of the forty 2011 Student Freedom Riders.
Watch (00:22)
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Kaitlyn Whiteside: Student Freedom Rider

An introductory video to LeRoy Ford, one of the forty 2011 Student Freedom Riders.
Watch (00:28)
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LeRoy Ford: Student Freedom Rider

An introductory video to Liliana Graciela Astiz, one of the forty Student Freedom Riders.
Watch (01:50)
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Liliana Graciela Astiz: Student Freedom Rider

An introductory video to Lu-Anne Haukaas Lopez, one of the forty Student Freedom Riders.
Watch (00:49)
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Lu-Anne Haukaas Lopez: Student Freedom Rider

An introductory video to Maricela Aguilar, one of the forty 2011 Student Freedom Riders.
Watch (00:39)
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Maricela Aguilar: Student Freedom Rider

An introductory video to Marshall Houston, one of the forty 2011 Student Freedom Riders.
Watch (00:47)
Clip

Marshall Houston: Student Freedom Rider

An introductory video to May Mgbolu, one of the forty 2011 Student Freedom Riders.
Watch (00:56)
Clip

May Mgbolu: Student Freedom Rider

An introductory video to Meghna Chandra, one of the forty 2011 Student Freedom Riders.
Watch (01:18)
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Meghna Chandra: Student Freedom Rider

An introductory video to Michael Tubbs, one of the forty 2011 Student Freedom Riders.
Watch (00:52)
Clip

Michael Tubbs: Student Freedom Rider

An introductory video to Michellay Cole, one of the forty 2011 Student Freedom Riders.
Watch (00:23)
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Michellay Cole: Student Freedom Rider

An introductory video to Peter Davis, one of the forty 2011 Student Freedom Riders.
Watch (00:52)
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Peter Davis: Student Freedom Rider

An introductory video to Rachael DeMarce, one of the forty 2011 Student Freedom Riders.
Watch (01:10)
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Rachael DeMarce: Student Freedom Rider

An introductory video to Rajlakshmi De, one of the forty 2011 Student Freedom Riders.
Watch (00:46)
Clip

Rajlakshmi De: Student Freedom Rider

An introductory video to Robert Sgrignoli, one of the forty 2011 Student Freedom Riders.
Watch (02:02)
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Robert Sgrignoli: Student Freedom Rider

An introductory video to Ryan Price, one of the forty 2011 Student Freedom Riders.
Watch (01:44)
Clip

Ryan Price: Student Freedom Rider

An introductory video to Samantha Williams, one of the forty 2011 Student Freedom Riders.
Watch (01:04)
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Samantha Williams: Student Freedom Rider

An introductory video to Sarah Cheshire, one of the forty 2011 Student Freedom Riders.
Watch (00:38)
Clip

Sarah Cheshire: Student Freedom Rider

An introductory video to Stephanie Burton, one of the forty 2011 Student Freedom Riders.
Watch (00:51)
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Stephanie Burton: Student Freedom Rider

An introductory video to Tania Smith, one of the forty 2011 Student Freedom Riders.
Watch (00:18)
Clip

Tania Smith: Student Freedom Rider

An introductory video to Tariq Meyers, one of the forty 2011 Student Freedom Riders.
Watch (00:49)
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Tariq Meyers: Student Freedom Rider

An introductory video to William Dale, one of the forty 2011 Student Freedom Riders.
Watch (00:40)
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William Dale: Student Freedom Rider

An introductory video to Zilong Wang, one of the forty 2011 Student Freedom Riders.
Watch (00:57)
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Zilong Wang: Student Freedom Rider

As a white Freedom Rider, Jim Zwerg sustained severe injuries.
Watch (04:56)
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The Exchange Student: A Short Film from Freedom Riders

Mahatma Gandhi's nonviolent movement inspired American civil rights activists.
Watch (03:32)
Clip

The Inspiration: A Short Film from Freedom Riders

Group singing provided solace for Freedom Riders.
Watch (04:53)
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The Music: A Short Film from Freedom Riders

Future Freedom Riders trained in Nashville by role-playing nonviolence.
Watch (04:57)
Clip

The Strategy: A Short Film from Freedom Riders

The Freedom Riders represented a cross-section of America.
Watch (04:08)
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The Movement: A Short Film from Freedom Riders

The Journey of Reconciliation, the very first Freedom Ride, took place in April 1947.
Watch (03:04)
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The Pioneers: A Short Film from Freedom Riders

Patterson discusses his response to the Freedom Rides.
Watch (04:43)
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The Governor: A Short Film from Freedom Riders

Diane Nash became the leader of the Nashville Student Movement.
Watch (04:44)
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The Student Leader: A Short Film from Freedom Riders

Freedom Riders came from diverse backgrounds but shared common goals.
Watch (01:01)
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From the film Freedom Riders: Democracy in Action

Traveling in the South was dangerous for blacks.
Watch (00:57)
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From the film Freedom Riders: Freedom to Travel, part 1

Southern state laws prevent segregated travel.
Watch (00:51)
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From the film Freedom Riders: Freedom to Travel, part 2

On September 22, 1961, the ICC ordered all signage enforcing segregation to be taken down.
Watch (00:34)
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From the film Freedom Riders: Freedom to Travel, part 3

Separation of the races was the status quo.
Watch (00:19)
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From the film Freedom Riders: Jim Crow Laws

America's racial issues are broadcast in the Soviet Union.
Watch (00:39)
Clip

From the film Freedom Riders: the Cold War

Scenes of bloody violence are reported across the country.
Watch (01:05)
Clip

From the film Freedom Riders: The Media, part 1

Reporter Herb Kaplow recounts his experience when covering the Freedom Riders.
Watch (01:14)
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From the film Freedom Riders: The Media, part 2

JFK tread carefully around the core of the Democratic Party, the white voting South.
Watch (01:11)
Clip

From the film Freedom Riders: the Solid South

Rabbi Dresser and Delore Boyd comment on the power of nonviolent methods.
Watch (01:06)
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From the film Freedom Riders: Victory for Nonviolence,...

Freedom Riders participated in CORE training sessions before getting on the bus.
Watch (02:09)
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From the film Freedom Riders: Victory for Nonviolence,...

Bernard Lafayette speaks about traveling from Montgomery, Alabama into Mississippi.
Watch (02:10)
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From the film Freedom Riders: Bernard Lafayette on His...

Bernard Lafayette speaks about traveling in the South.
Watch (01:13)
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From the film Freedom Riders: Bernard Lafayette on Jim...

Bernard Lafayette speaks about acting from his conscience and training in Nashville.
Watch (03:01)
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From the film Freedom Riders: Bernard Lafayette on The...

Bernard Lafayette speaks about three groups from the Nashville Student Movement.
Watch (02:06)
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From the film Freedom Riders: Bernard Lafayette on the...

Bernard Lafayette speaks about nonviolence as a response.
Watch (01:11)
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From the film Freedom Riders: Bernard Lafayette on...

Catherine Burke Brooks speaks about racist treatment in the South.
Watch (00:40)
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From the film Freedom Riders: Catherine Burks-Brooks on...

Catherine Burks-Brooks speaks about being expelled from Tennessee State.
Watch (00:25)
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From the film Freedom Riders: Catherine Burks-Brooks on...

Catherine Burks-Brooks speaks about deciding to join a Freedom Ride.
Watch (01:51)
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From the film Freedom Riders: Catherine Burks-Brooks on...

Genevieve Hughes speaks about her disappointment at the lack of press coverage.
Watch (00:46)
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From the film Freedom Riders: Genevieve Hughes on The Media

Genevieve Hughes speaks about Jim Farmer not wanting her on the Ride.
Watch (00:54)
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From the film Freedom Riders: Genevieve Hughes on The...

Genevieve Hughes speaks about press coverage increasing due to the violence.
Watch (00:46)
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From the film Freedom Riders: Genevieve Hughes on...

Janie McKinney speaks about the Southern society as a house of cards.
Watch (00:37)
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From the film Freedom Riders: Janie McKinney on Jim Crow...

Janie McKinney speaks about Southerners angered by the Federal Government.
Watch (00:25)
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From the film Freedom Riders: Janie McKinney on The...

Jerry Moore explains the purpose of the Freedom Rides.
Watch (01:09)
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From the film Freedom Riders: Jerry Moore on Jim Crow Laws

Jerry Moore speaks about what the Freedom Rides accomplished.
Watch (01:13)
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From the film Freedom Riders: Jerry Moore on What Came Next

Jim Lawson speaks about JFK and the Cold War as a critical issue facing the U.S.
Watch (01:46)
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From the film Freedom Riders: Jim Lawson on The Cold War

Jim Lawson speaks about nonviolence training in Washington, DC and Nashville, TN.
Watch (01:15)
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From the film Freedom Riders: Jim Lawson on the Victory...

Jim Lawson speaks about why he chose nonviolence intervention.
Watch (00:56)
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From the film Freedom Riders: Jim Lawson on Why a Victory...

John Lewis speaks about traveling in 1960.
Watch (01:13)
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From the film Freedom Riders: John Lewis on Freedom to...

John Lewis speaks about the Freedom Rides' accomplishments.
Watch (01:53)
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From the film Freedom Riders: John Lewis on the Spirit of...

John Seigenthaler speaks about Martin Luther King liberating black and white Americans.
Watch (01:30)
Clip

From the film Freedom Riders: John Seigenthaler on...

Pauline Knight-Ofuso speaks about the black press.
Watch (01:00)
Clip

From the film Freedom Riders: Pauline Knight-Ofuso on The...

Pauline Knight-Ofuso speaks about difficulties for black people traveling in the South.
Watch (01:48)
Clip

From the film Freedom Riders: Pauline Knight-Ofuso on...

Ray Arsenault speaks about the ICC desegregation order.
Watch (01:30)
Clip

From the film Freedom Riders: Ray Arsenault on Democracy...

Reverend C.T. Vivian speaks about why blacks were resisting oppression in the 1960s.
Watch (02:28)
Clip

From the film Freedom Riders: Rev. C.T. Vivian on Jim...

Reverend C.T. Vivian speaks about the effect of employing non-violent tactics.
Watch (02:55)
Clip

From the film Freedom Riders: Rev. C.T. Vivian on the...

Reverend C.T. Vivian speaks about Robert F. Kennedy asking for a cooling off period.
Watch (00:58)
Clip

From the film Freedom Riders: Rev. C.T. Vivian on...

Glenda Davis speaks about her childhood and Jim Crow laws.
Watch (00:58)
Clip

From the film Freedom Riders: Glenda Davis on Jim Crow Laws

Glenda Davis speaks about the Southern white press.
Watch (00:58)
Clip

From the film Freedom Riders: Glenda Davis on The Media

Glanda Davis speaks about white people thinking about segregation in a different way.
Watch (01:29)
Clip

From the film Freedom Riders: Glenda Davis on the Spirit...

Hank Thomas talks about meeting with white students from American University.
Watch (02:06)
Clip

From the film Freedom Riders: Hank Thomas on Meeting...

Hank Thomas speaks about it being easier to drive across East Berlin than the South.
Watch (00:58)
Clip

From the film Freedom Riders: Hank Thomas on the Cold War

Hank Thomas speaks about dressing well during the Freedom Rides.
Watch (01:53)
Clip

From the film Freedom Riders: Hank Thomas on The Media

Israel Dresner speaks about joining the Freedom Rides.
Watch (01:20)
Clip

From the film Freedom Riders: Israel Dresner on His...

Israel Dresner speaks about the Solid South.
Watch (01:13)
Clip

From the film Freedom Riders: Israel Dresner on the Solid...

John Patterson speaks about Jim Crow Laws.
Watch (01:29)
Clip

From the film Freedom Riders: John Patterson on Jim Crow...

John Patterson speaks about the slow progress of integration.
Watch (01:40)
Clip

From the film Freedom Riders: John Patterson on Slow...

John Patterson speaks about JFK carrying the Solid South.
Watch (01:12)
Clip

From the film Freedom Riders: John Patterson on the South

John Patterson speaks about the Freedom Ride in Anniston.
Watch (01:37)
Clip

From the film Freedom Riders: John Patterson on the...

Reverend C.T. Vivian speaks about the Kennedys' response to the Freedom Riders.
Watch (01:00)
Clip

From the film Freedom Riders: Rev. C.T. Vivian on the...

William Harbour speaks about his Freedom Ride and Bull Connor
Watch (02:28)
Clip

From the film Freedom Riders: William Harbour on His...

Israel Dresner speaks about Nonviolence.
Watch (01:46)
Clip

From the film Freedom Riders: Israel Dresner on Nonviolence

About the Program

American Experience

American Experience, TV's most-watched history series, brings to life the compelling stories from our past that inform our understanding of the world today.

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Program Specials & Extras

In 1965, The Dow Company — best known for making Saran Wrap — began making Napalm.
Watch (01:37)
Clip

Napalm in Vietnam

In October of 1967, a massive protest at the University of Wisconsin turned violent.
Watch (02:45)
Clip

Police Tactics at the DOW Demonstration

In 1967, a demonstration at the University of Wisconsin sparked the antiwar movement.
Watch (01:31)
Clip

The Demonstration that Sparked

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