The 1961 Freedom Rides 50th Anniversary Commemoration

WHEREAS, in 1961, the Freedom Riders, over 400 brave men and women committed to nonviolence, boarded buses and traveled across the South to challenge the non-compliance with a three-year-old federal law that prohibited segregation in interstate travel; and

WHEREAS, met with violent resistance along the way, the Freedom Riders were not deterred from their mission; and

WHEREAS, the Freedom Riders persisted through overwhelming obstacles, leading to the nationwide ruling by the Interstate Commerce Commission that effectively ended segregated seating; and

WHEREAS, for their heroic efforts and the inspiration they provided for others to follow on the path to end segregation, we honor the Freedom Riders for the sacrifices that they made to secure civil rights for all Americans; and

WHEREAS, on May 19 through May -21, 2011, The Alabama Historical Commission will commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the 1961 Freedom Rides with the Grand Opening of the Freedom Rides Museum in Montgomery’s recently restored Greyhound Bus Station; and

WHEREAS, a special exhibit, “Road to Equality – The 1961 Freedom Rides,” will interpret one of the pivotal events in our nation’s journey to end segregation and will allow visitors to better understand the rich history surrounding the events that occurred at the station:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim recognize May 20, 2011, as

The 1961 Freedom Rides

50th Anniversary Commemoration

in the state of the Alabama.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 17th day of May 2011.

 

      

Governor Robert Bentley