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Training
Before the freedom rides could start, the participants would have to train. This took place in Washington D.C. The training prepared the freedom riders for what could happen to them in the south. -
Anniston
The group of freedom riders taking the greyhound bus stopped because of a flat tire. A car speed in front of the bus so that it could not go forward. White people started lighting the bus on fire. The bus driver left so the riders had to fend for themselves. -
Birmingham
The other group of freedom riders got to Birmingham. This time there was beatings. The freedom riders did not flight back. The police department allowed the Ku Klux Klan an amount of time before they interfered. -
Transportation Troubles
At a point in time, the freedom riders were sick because there was no one to drive the buses for them. Eventually, they arrived at the airport where they were met with another mob. They were forced off of the plane because of a bomb scare. Eventually, they left. -
Meetings
Meetings were held after the mob in New Orleans. These meetings were to determine who the next freedom riders would be. They told them that they had to be prepared for anything. They wrote their wills, preparing for their own death. -
Birmingham
The riders were stuck without a biz driver again. While waiting for greyhound to find a driver, they encountered the KKK. They would be stepped on and they would get cold water thrown in their face. Because this was a peaceful protest, they did not fight back. -
Montgomery, Alabama
Freedom riders were finally given protection. Suddenly they lost their protection and a mob started. They were hidden, and brought weapons. A U.S. official was knocked unconscious during the attack. Finally, police broke up the mob with teargas. -
Protection Meeting
A protection meeting was held in a church for the freedom riders. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke at the meeting. A mob gathered outside the church. Soon, a rock was thrown in the window of the church. The mob lot the church on fire, and U.S. Marshalls came to protect those inside the church. The marshalls ended up accidentally tear gassing themselves. Troops were called in for protection and the federal government finally helped the freedom rider project.