What Was The Response Of David Fankhauser’S Family To His Protest?

David Fankhauser, a 19-year-old student at Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, was an activist and member of the NAACP 1959-61. He joined the Freedom Riders, a group of civil rights activists who rode interstate buses into the segregated Southern United States in 1961 and subsequent years. Fankhauser and his fellow demonstrators faced violence and imprisonment for protesting racial segregation laws.

Fifty years ago, Fankhauser traveled through Montgomery, Alabama, was arrested in Jackson, Mississippi, and served 40 days in prison to protest segregation. After the FreedomRides, Fankhauser continued to be active in civil rights and anti-war demonstrations. He earned a PhD in biology from Johns University.

The reactions of the South were also full of surprises. The author found that the world was coming to an end when a band of black kids, including Fankhauser, could continue the Freedom Ride. The remainder of the Freedom Riders were injured and battered, and CORE decided they could not continue the Freedom Ride and elected to fly them to New York City.

The Freedom Rides had a legal and moral objective, testing two US Supreme Court rulings. Young kids today don’t understand the history of this country and the sacrifices made by our men, and there is no loyalty or patriotism. The reactions of the citizens of Greenbelt to the appointment of Charles S. Bresler as National Relations Officer on his staff have been a matter of deep surprise. Many white parents and their kids were outside the school protesting, and how did they respond and what was the final outcome of their actions.

Did The Freedom Riders Go To Jail?

Twenty-seven Freedom Riders en route to New Orleans were arrested upon their arrival at the bus station in Jackson, Mississippi, on May 24, 1961. Many received two-month sentences in the notorious Parchman Prison. Over the following months, over 400 Freedom Riders were detained, often facing charges that resulted in fines and additional jail time. The riders employed a "jail, no bail" strategy to intentionally overload the penal system. Legal assistance from the NAACP led to appeals that reached the U.

S. Supreme Court, which ultimately reversed their convictions. The Freedom Rides were inspired by the 1947 Journey of Reconciliation, where both African American and white riders had previously challenged segregation. In response to growing arrests, U. S. Attorney General Robert Kennedy negotiated the release of the jailed riders after two weeks. Despite the legal precedents established by Supreme Court rulings against racial segregation in interstate travel, tensions escalated, resulting in numerous arrests throughout the summer of 1961.

The movement's legacy is marked by significant events and the courageous actions of individuals like Irene Morgan, who fought against Jim Crow laws well before the Freedom Rides. The pattern established by early rides continued, reflecting relentless efforts for civil rights and equality.

Why Did The Freedom Riders Go To Jail?

Upon reaching the Jackson bus terminal, the Freedom Riders are arrested for attempting to use segregated facilities, charged with breach of peace. Taken to the county jail, many refuse to pay bail, resulting in hundreds of arrests throughout the summer. Among those arrested are Andrew Johnson, James Felmet, Bayard Rustin, and Igal Roodenko, charged with disorderly conduct for staying at the front of the bus. The 1961 Freedom Rides, organized by CORE, aimed to challenge segregation, building on a similar 1947 initiative.

On May 24, 1961, twenty-seven Freedom Riders heading to New Orleans are immediately detained upon arrival in Jackson. Many face two-month sentences in Parchman Prison, known for its brutal conditions, including psychological torture and violence from guards. Freedom Riders from California are arrested in Houston for unlawful assembly after refusing to get off the bus. Despite the arrests, over 300 riders in Jackson refuse to pay fines and serve their sentences instead.

In a notable incident, a bus carrying nine Freedom Riders was attacked by a white mob in Anniston, Alabama. Ultimately, the campaign involves risk of imprisonment and physical harm, yet it continues to gain momentum as civil rights activists challenge segregation across the southern United States, inspired by CORE's historical actions.

Are There Any Freedom Riders Still Alive?

Charles Person, the youngest of the original 13 Freedom Riders and one of only two still living, often shares his story of the Atlanta Student Movement and his daring departure from Morehouse College at age 18 to join the Freedom Rides in 1961. Alongside Hank Thomas, both reside in metro Atlanta and commemorate the 60th anniversary of their fight against segregation. The Freedom Riders, a coalition of white and Black civil rights activists, rode buses through the segregated South, seeking to dismantle Jim Crow laws.

Although many Supreme Court rulings had declared segregation in public spaces illegal, racism persisted. Their courageous actions led to arrests, violence, and hostility, yet they brought significant attention to racial injustices. This historical campaign left behind over 300 mug shots, now featured in the exhibit "Breach of Peace." Despite enduring adversity, the Freedom Riders made strides toward desegregation; their legacy echoes today as young activists continue to confront systemic racism. The fight against discrimination remains ongoing, as evidenced by contemporary conversations surrounding civil rights and equality.

What Was The Most Successful Nonviolent Protest?

In the 1930s, Mahatma Gandhi spearheaded a significant nonviolent civil disobedience movement against the British salt monopoly, marking a crucial moment in India's struggle for independence. Over 24 days, Gandhi and his followers covered 240 miles to protest the unjust tax on salt, ultimately inspiring global awareness and support for nonviolent activism. This movement exemplifies the power of peaceful resistance, as history has shown that nonviolent approaches can effect meaningful systemic change, often yielding more success than violent campaigns.

Throughout history, numerous instances illustrate the effectiveness of nonviolent action, including the George Floyd protests and the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which highlighted the struggle for civil rights. Research indicates that nonviolent civil resistance is far more successful in achieving broad-based change compared to violent actions, making it a compelling strategy for social justice.

This trend of successful peaceful protests continues from ancient times, with examples dating back to 494 B. C., demonstrating a longstanding tradition of civil disobedience aiming for equality and justice. Movements led by figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. further reinforced the importance of nonviolent strategies in the fight against oppression, as exemplified by the Freedom Rides and the March on Washington. These historical protests serve as reminders of nonviolence as a powerful tool for social change.

How Long Were The Freedom Riders Sentenced To Jail For?

On May 24, 1961, twenty-seven Freedom Riders en route to New Orleans were arrested upon their arrival at the bus station in Jackson, Mississippi. Many received sentences of two months in Parchman Prison, one of Mississippi's harshest facilities. In the following months, police detained over 400 Freedom Riders, part of the 1961 Freedom Rides organized by the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), inspired by the 1947 Journey of Reconciliation.

The riders faced severe penalties for violating Jim Crow laws as they used segregated facilities. During their hearings, judges dismissed their appeals and imposed jail terms, prompting the NAACP to appeal their convictions.

The Freedom Riders aimed to challenge racial segregation in public transport and met violent opposition, including beatings and psychological torture while imprisoned. Notably, legendary civil rights leader Bayard Rustin and three others were sentenced to a chain gang in North Carolina for similar protesting actions. The Freedom Riders' persistence drew national attention to civil rights issues, and although they faced jail time and harsh conditions, such as confinement with dangerous inmates, their courage encouraged more participation in the movement. By the end of 1961, their actions significantly contributed to the ongoing fight against racial discrimination and segregation in the United States.