1961 – Freedom Riders Are Arrested in Jackson, Mississippi

On May 31, 1961, the Freedom Riders—civil rights activists challenging segregation in the South—were arrested in Jackson, Mississippi. These interracial groups rode buses into the Deep South to protest the illegal segregation of public interstate transportation facilities. Despite federal rulings that deemed such segregation unconstitutional, southern states defied the law. The riders faced mob violence, imprisonment, and harsh treatment. Over 300 activists were jailed in Jackson during that summer alone, drawing national attention to civil rights abuses. Many were sent to the infamous Parchman Farm prison. The Freedom Rides were instrumental in pressuring the federal government to enforce desegregation laws and protect civil rights workers. May 31, 1961, marks a key moment in the civil rights movement when young Black activists risked everything for justice and equality. Their courage continues to inspire activism and reminds us that systemic change often requires persistent, bold confrontation.