May 21, 2010
Dear Freedom Rider,
A few months ago we wrote you and asked for some of your preferences for a 50th reunion of Freedom Riders.
Washington, D.C., where the Freedom Ride began was the most suggested city.
On May 4, 1961 the Freedom Ride left Washington, D.C. to desegregate buses and bus terminals across the South, beginning the mission that would change the country and impact the world. Our reunion will begin Wednesday, May 4, 2011 in D.C.
We propose the following. The evening of May 4 we will celebrate with a 50th anniversary party/reception. The program will continue on Thursday 5/5, Friday 5/6 and Saturday 5/7.
In your responses to our earlier letter, many of you stated that you want this event to be more than just a reunion. There was broad support for addressing and seeking solutions to the continuing problems and pressing issues of today such as unemployment, homelessness, hunger, education, racial discrimination and others. You want to honor our history, but noted that the work of the civil rights movement is not finished and some people suggested projects. We will be in Washington and we can consider interfacing with Congressional and other government officials.
We would like for everyone who wants to, to participate in choosing the issues and planning the program. Volunteers are needed to plan and schedule the program, reserve spaces, arrange speakers, and to do what is necessary to help make this landmark reunion happen. Any Freedom Rider or supporter who would like to volunteer is requested to contact Ralph Fertig at rfertig@usc.edu. Much of the planning will probably be via conference calls, especially in the near future.
At this point, all plans are tentative; there surely will be changes as plans progress and as we continue to obtain input from you who will be participants.
To those of you who said you would be willing to fund-raise, please expect to hear from us promptly, and anyone who has not already stated an interest but is willing to help with fund raising, please also contact Ralph.
We expect to spend some time celebrating our historic event and the accomplishments of the Freedom Ride. Of course, we will renew friendships and see former colleagues, some of whom we may not have the opportunity to see again. One Rider expressed an opinion that this 50th reunion be an occasion in which we who participated 50 years ago, be renewed and strengthened and strategize with regard to where we go from here. People who did not participate, particularly young people should be called to continue the struggle in meaningful ways to relieve the suffering of our brothers and sisters in the national and world families.
Reverend James M. Lawson Jr.
Diane Nash
Reverend C.T. Vivian
Ralph Fertig
Send responses to:
Professor Ralph D. Fertig
University of Southern California
School of Social Work
667 W. 34th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0411
rfertig@usc.edu
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