[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 59 (Wednesday, May 4, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E805-E806]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING FREEDOM RIDERS ON THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 4, 2011

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, to recognize the lasting 
impact of a coalition from all across the country, now known as the 
Freedom Riders, who showed great acts of courage fifty years ago in 
1961 to help pave the way for all Americans--regardless of color and 
background--to have the same opportunities to pursue their dreams. They 
traveled to the deep South to challenge the codified injustice in place 
and bring about an end of segregation.
  James Farmer, the head of the Congress of Racial Equality, and his 
colleagues planned demonstration rides through the South because the 
Supreme Court's ruling of integration of bus and train stations and 
airports was not yet enforced. On May 4, 1961, thirteen riders--men and 
women, blacks and whites--left Washington, D.C. bound for New Orleans 
on May 17, the seventh anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education.
  Between May and September of 1961, people of all ages, color and 
gender throughout the country traveled to Jackson, Mississippi. The 
Riders desegregated stations by entering the `wrong' waiting room, 
sitting at the `wrong' lunch counter, using the `wrong' restroom. They 
encountered severe prejudice and brutality. My dear friend and patriot, 
Representative John Lewis, was struck by a crate. Another good friend 
and colleague of mine, Representative Bob Filner, was arrested and 
incarcerated for two months after refusing to post bond.
  Through their courage and determination, the Freedom Riders won. In 
September the

[[Page E806]]

Interstate Commerce Commission issued new regulations mandating an end 
to segregation in bus and train stations. Their success inspired more 
people to participate in Freedom Rides elsewhere around the South 
during 1961. These Rides eventually led the movement to its landmark 
victories--the Civil Rights Act in 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 
1965. They continue to inspire a new generation of activists, such as 
the students of the New York State Youth Leadership Council, who 
invoked the memory of the Freedom Riders as they marched from places 
like Washington Heights in my hometown of New York City all the way to 
our nation's capital to demonstrate their support for the DREAM ACT.
  Fifty years ago, Freedom Riders envisioned a country where everyone 
was given the equal opportunity to pursue their dreams. Thanks to their 
efforts, anyone in America can make his or her dream a reality by 
working hard with a can-do spirit. Today we honor the Freedom Riders by 
remembering their struggles and resolve, and by renewing our commitment 
to uphold their vision of promoting equal opportunity for all.

                          ____________________