Two Montgomery landmarks, the former Greyhound Bus Station and the First Baptist Church on Ripley Street, will be the site of events commemorating the 45th anniversary of the 1961 Freedom Rides on Saturday, May 20. U. S. Congressman John Lewis and Reverend James Bevel, two of the organizers of the rides, are featured speakers.
The Freedom Riders were testing compliance with federal laws forbidding racial segregation in interstate travel. Violent resistance in Alabama ultimately led to a nationwide ruling by the Interstate Commerce Commission that effectively ended segregated seating and facilities.
First Baptist Church, the Alabama Historical Commission, the Black Heritage Council, the Montgomery Improvement Association, and advisors for the Greyhound Bus Station museum project are co-hosting a series of events throughout the day.
A 10 a.m. a commemoration ceremony in front of the former Greyhound Bus Station in the 200 block of South Court Street features the Rev. James Bevel who will speak on the history of the Freedom Rides. The station was the site of uncontrolled mob violence that met the young student riders armed only with prayers, songs, and training in non-violent protest.
The Reverends Robert Graetz and Dr. Willie D. McClung will officiate and the E.D. Nixon Choir will perform. Afterward, New South Books, located across from the bus station, will host a series of book signings.
At 2:30 p.m., the unveiling of a historic marker will take place at the home of Dr. Richard Harris at 333 South Jackson Street in the historic Centennial Hill community. In 1961, Dr. Harris opened his home to the Freedom Riders where they stayed until they left to travel to Jackson, Miss. Dr. Harris was no stranger to the Civil Rights Movement, having been crucially involved with the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955. During the Boycott, Dean Drug Store, which Dr. Harris owned (he was a pharmacist), was a secure meeting site for Dr. King and others. Dr. Harris coordinated transportation for participants in the Boycott from his drug store.
At 5 p.m. Congressman John Lewis will highlight an evening at First Baptist Church at 347 North Ripley Street. A native of Troy, Lewis is a U.S. Congressman from Georgia's Fifth District.
Lewis was badly beaten at the Greyhound Station in Montgomery on Saturday, May 20, 1961, but ultimately made his way to the First Baptist Church on Sunday evening. There a mob surrounded the church, trapping hundreds of people inside. It took federal intervention and the mobilization of the Alabama National Guard to ensure the safety of the civilians inside.
For more information about the events, contact:
Dorothy Walker
Alabama Historical Commission
468 South Perry Street
Montgomery, AL 36130-0900
P: 334/230-2665
F: 334/240-3477
Dorothy.Walker@preserveala.org
website: www.preserveala.org
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Last Modified: May 13, 2006.
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