Their goals were:
* To test the Supreme Court ruling: The riders wanted to prove that the Supreme Court's decision on desegregation applied not only to schools but also to all public facilities, including interstate buses and bus terminals.
* To expose the hypocrisy of the South: They aimed to show the world the harsh reality of racial segregation in the South, despite the rulings against it.
* To pressure the federal government: The riders hoped to force the federal government to take action to enforce desegregation laws and protect the civil rights of Black Americans.
What they did:
* First Freedom Ride (May 1961): A group of 13 Black and white riders departed from Washington D.C., heading towards New Orleans. They faced violence and intimidation in several Southern states, with their buses being firebombed, and they were beaten by white mobs.
* Second Freedom Ride (June 1961): The riders returned to the South to continue their journey, again facing resistance and violence.
* Federal intervention: The Kennedy administration, under pressure, eventually sent federal marshals to protect the riders and enforce the law.
Consequences:
* The Freedom Rides significantly advanced the Civil Rights Movement: They garnered national and international attention, putting pressure on the government to act on segregation.
* They contributed to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: This landmark legislation outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
* They faced tremendous hardship and risked their lives: The Freedom Riders were often met with hostility, violence, and arrests, but their courage and determination helped to bring about significant change.
The Freedom Riders were a vital part of the Civil Rights Movement, demonstrating the importance of non-violent resistance and highlighting the need for change in the face of segregation and discrimination. Their actions contributed to a more just and equitable society for all Americans.