Freedom Riders 50th Reunion

Early Light was in Jackson Mississippi last week to cover the Return of the Freedom Riders 50th Reunion for our documentary on Congressman John Lewis, one of the Nashville student Freedom Riders in 1961. A highlight of the event was a surprise apology from conservative Republican Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour. Here's what the Associated Press had to say:
Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour has apologized to dozens of civil rights activists who were carted off to the state's notorious Parchman prison in the 1960s for attempting to desegregate interstate travel.
"We apologize to you for your mistreatment in 1961, and we appreciate this chance for atonement and reconciliation," Barbour told the so-called Freedom Riders during a dinner at a Jackson hotel Sunday.
The Freedom Riders, college students and other activists who challenged segregation on commercial bus lines are in Jackson this week to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1961 protest. Barbour is among the leaders hosting them.
At the dinner, Barbour thanked the group for their "courage, your commitment, your sufferings and your sacrifices of 50 years ago." On Monday, the Republican welcomed them at a breakfast at the Governor's Mansion, saying many seemed surprised — yet pleased — by his apology.
"The better question for me is, how could I not apologize," Barbour said. "It is good we are rid of segregation, and we are right grateful for the role you played in helping us get there."





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