Freedom in the Movement

That the hues of human skin, different facial features, variety of places of origins, and practices of ancestors continue to be reason for hatred and violence in the world (or ever were) is inexcusable. At each stage and rendition of such ignorance and impunity attention to injustice, speaking up, and building strong cross-community alliances is increasingly important. One such example of this work towards an equitable place for all people came through the Freedom Rides, and Freedom Riders, during the Civil Rights movement in the United States, preserved at the Freedom Riders National Monument in Anniston, Alabama.

Laws in public places such as bus stations and restaurants required people to separate themselves based on ethnicity and race. Particularly in the southern states, these laws put the lives of people in mortal danger, even beyond the unfairness and shame of such unreasonable separation. A small interracial group began to ride busses into these southern states, spurring a larger movement as their rides continued. The busses were attacked as hatred against Black populations and other people who supported their equality and freedom came out of the shadows. Busses were attacked in transit and set on fire by mobs. Freedom Riders took major risks of arrest and even injury or death when they boarded busses. Today, we see hate that has never gone away and a resurgence of ignorant hatred against groups in the same way as last century, and continue to face the fact that this hatred remains strong.

Now as much as ever, many people feel the need for movements that promote freedom, resistance, collaboration. Bridging divides between communities and individuals in order to create bonds and join in important work has never faded in importance, yet in times of comfort and abundance, can recede into the webs of memory. Learning from the relationships, purpose, actions of our ancestors and communities is essential, never-ending, ever-evolving work.