The Freedom Rides were a series of civil rights protests organized by the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) in 1961. The goal of the Freedom Rides was to challenge segregation on interstate buses and bus terminals in the Southern United States.

The Freedom Riders, both Black and white activists, rode buses together into the segregated South to protest the continued enforcement of Jim Crow laws. They faced violence, intimidation, and arrests along the way, as they refused to abide by segregationist laws that were still in place despite a Supreme Court ruling declaring segregation on interstate transportation unconstitutional.

The efforts of the Freedom Riders gained national attention and brought awareness to the ongoing struggle for civil rights. The activism and bravery of these individuals played a significant role in the eventual desegregation of interstate travel and the broader Civil Rights Movement.

The Freedom Rides were a pivotal moment in Black history, showcasing the power of nonviolent protest and the determination of individuals to fight for racial equality and justice.