The Freedom Riders were a group of civil rights activists, both black and white, who participated in an integrated bus journey through the American South in 1961. They were challenging the segregation of interstate bus terminals that was still widespread despite a Supreme Court ruling that declared such segregation unconstitutional.

The Freedom Riders faced violent opposition from white segregationists, who attacked them and their buses in an attempt to intimidate and prevent them from continuing their journey. Despite the dangers they faced, the Freedom Riders remained committed to their cause and their actions drew national attention to the ongoing struggle for civil rights.

Their efforts helped to spark increased momentum for the civil rights movement and contributed to the eventual desegregation of public transportation in the United States. The Freedom Riders' bravery and determination in the face of violence and adversity are remembered as a significant chapter in the history of the fight for racial equality in America.