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5 unusual facts about Freedom Riders


Hall Greenland

The Freedom Riders picketted the Walgett RSL about its refusal to allow Aboriginal ex-servicemen to use the facilities.

The Freedom Riders were all University students, and planned to go on a trip around country NSW exposing racsim towards the indigenous community.

The Freedom Rides were inspired by the Freedom Riders of the American Civil Rights Movement.

Michael Audain

In 1961, Audain, in his early twenties, was imprisoned in a southern United States prison for taking part in a protest with the Freedom Riders.

St. Augustine Foot Soldiers Monument

He then joined the civil rights movement in other states and is one of the few living Freedom Riders.


Stanley Nelson Jr.

On May 4, 2011, Stanley Nelson and Freedom Riders were featured by Oprah Winfrey in a special program celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Freedom Riders.


see also

Breach of Peace: Portraits of the 1961 Mississippi Freedom Riders

Notable Freedom Riders among the over 80 profiled in the book include James Bevel, C.T. Vivian, John Lewis, Carol Ruth Silver, Michael Audain, Bob Filner, Wyatt Tee Walker, Charles Grier Sellers, Byron Baer, Bernard Lafayette and John Gager.

Wally Nelson

He rode with a number of notable Freedom Riders such including James Peck, Igal Roodenko, and George Houser.