Last week, we posted in honor of the anniversary of the first Freedom Rides. To this day, the legacy of the Freedom Riders continues to inspire and guide community organizers and social justice movements. Let’s consider the ways they set a powerful example for intersectional activism.
The struggle for equity and equality is ongoing - by drawing on the Freedom Riders’ tactics of building alliances and coalitions, holding those in power accountable, and demonstrating leadership, courage, and resilience, we can continue the fight for a more just and equitable society for all.
Intersecting Inequities
The Freedom Riders recognized that different forms of oppression are interconnected and that building alliances across different communities is essential to effect change. They actively sought out partnerships with other organizations, including churches, civil rights groups, and student organizations, to build a broad-based coalition for social justice.
The Freedom Riders' legacy also extends beyond the fight for racial equality. Although their work primarily focused on this issue, they also recognized the interconnectedness of different struggles for justice and worked to build alliances with other marginalized communities. For example, their commitment to nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience helped to pave the way for the disability rights movement.
Intersectional Example: The Freedom Riders & Disability Rights
The Freedom Riders were also committed to fighting for the rights of people with disabilities - many activists with disabilities were part of the movement. These activists faced challenges in accessing transportation and public spaces.
For example, many buses used during the Freedom Rides were not wheelchair accessible, and activists with disabilities often faced barriers when trying to access facilities like restrooms and restaurants.
These experiences helped to raise awareness and lay groundwork for the disability rights movement that emerged in the years following and helped to build solidarity across different movements for social justice.
Today, we urge individuals and organizers to recognize intersectionality and to build collaborative coalitions across different movements for social justice. Here are a few ways we can work to create similar alliances in our own communities.
Collaborate and co-organize: Seek partnerships with organizations and individuals who share our values and goals. Look for opportunities to collaborate on projects or initiatives. We can amplify our voices and make a larger impact by working together.
Build bridges through listening: Listen to and learn from people with different backgrounds and perspectives. Work to build bridges between social justice movements. By forming connections and nurturing empathy, we can work towards a more united and inclusive society and a stronger movement for justice and equality.
Strategize and communicate: The Freedom Riders carefully planned their routes, timed their actions to coincide with important events, and communicated with allies both locally and nationally to ensure their safety and effectiveness. We can learn from the way they used strategic planning and coordination to maximize their impact and minimize their risks.
Speak up & take action: The Freedom Riders challenged the status quo and held those in power accountable for their actions. Today, there are still many structures of power that need to be challenged and held accountable. Advocate for policies that promote equality and justice, such as voting rights, affordable housing, and criminal justice reform. Contact your elected officials and let them know that these issues matter to you.
Persevere. The Freedom Riders faced significant challenges and adversity, yet, they persisted in their fight for justice and inspired others to do the same. We must be prepared to face challenges as we strive for a more just world and overcome them with resilience and determination. The bravery of the freedom riders should inspire us all to stand up for what is right and fight for a better future for all people - together.
Sources
https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/freedom-riders.
https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/initiatives/freedom-rides.
https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/encyclopedia/freedom-rides
https://www.nps.gov/articles/freedom-riders-and-the-popular-culture.htm
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/22/us/diane-nash-civil-rights.html
https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/collection/john-lewis-and-freedom-rides
https://dredf.org/about-us/history-of-the-disability-rights-movement/
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