Freedom Riders Arrested in Birmingham

On May 17, 1961, Birmingham law enforcement took the Freedom Riders into custody, allegedly for their protection. However, they were released that evening in a remote area known for Klan activity on the Alabama-Tennessee border.

Freedom Riders singing in a paddy wagon after arrest at Birmingham Greyhound station, May 17, 1961
Courtesy of The Birmingham News. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

Appears In

Freedom Riders singing in a paddy wagon after arrest at Birmingham Greyhound station, May 17, 1961