Freedom Riders -
american experience

In 1961, segregation seemed to have an overwhelming grip on American society. Many states violently enforced the policy, while the federal government, under the Kennedy administration, remained indifferent, preoccupied with matters abroad. That is, until an integrated band of college students ? many of whom were the first in their families to attend a university ? decided, en masse, to risk everything and buy a ticket on a Greyhound bus bound for the Deep South. They called themselves the Freedom Riders, and they managed to bring the president and the entire American public face-to-face with the challenge of correcting civil-rights inequities that plagued the nation.

Duration: 1 hour 56 minutes and 45 seconds

Episode Number: 2311

No future air times were found for this episode.

About American Experience:

As television's longest-running, most-watched history series, American Experience brings to life the incredible characters and epic stories that helped form this nation.

Watch American Experience - Clips, Episodes & Previews

Chapter 1 | Freedom Riders

Dolley Madison Preview

Interview with Author Kirstin Downey

A Class Apart Preview

Anna Nutter: Student Freedom Rider

Michael Tubbs: Student Freedom Rider

Future Broadcast times for "American Experience": (show all)

Tue, Apr 21	3:00 P.M.	Poisoned Ground: The Tragedy at Love Canal NH World (11.3)
Fri, Apr 24	7:00 P.M.	Clearing The Air: The War On Smog NH World (11.3)
Sat, Apr 25	2:00 A.M.	Clearing The Air: The War On Smog NH World (11.3)
Sat, Apr 25	8:00 A.M.	Clearing The Air: The War On Smog NH World (11.3)
Sat, Apr 25	2:00 P.M.	Clearing The Air: The War On Smog NH World (11.3)
Wed, May 6	2:00 P.M.	The Movement and the "Madman" NH World (11.3)