Buses Are a Comin'
- 304 pages
- 11 hours of reading
This firsthand exploration delves into the cost of change in America, as experienced by one of the pioneers of the Civil Rights Movement. At just 18, Charles Person was the youngest Freedom Rider, part of a diverse group of activists who embarked on a bus journey from Washington, D.C. to New Orleans in 1961. This coalition, which included future Congressman John Lewis and other notable figures, aimed to test whether the U.S. would uphold a Supreme Court ruling that deemed segregation unconstitutional in public transportation facilities. Their findings were stark: Southern states continued to flout federal law, often resorting to violence to maintain racial segregation. One bus was set ablaze, while the bus Charles rode was violently attacked by a mob. This narrative offers a vivid account of the struggle for belonging in America, as Charles and his fellow Riders faced brutality in their quest for justice. It serves not only as a historical record but also as a call to action for today's youth, urging them to become agents of change, stand firm, and foster a more just society where everyone has a voice and a place.
