1961 - Freedom Riders Attacked in Montgomery

On May 20, 1961, a group of Freedom Riders—civil rights activists challenging segregated bus terminals in the South—were viciously attacked by a white mob at the Greyhound Bus Station in Montgomery, Alabama. Despite the presence of federal observers, local police failed to intervene, exposing the brutality of Southern resistance to desegregation. The Freedom Riders, organized by CORE and SNCC, continued their courageous interstate journey to challenge Jim Crow laws, risking their lives to uphold Supreme Court rulings against segregation. The violence in Montgomery forced the federal government to provide protection, marking a turning point in the Civil Rights Movement. This attack garnered national attention and helped galvanize public support for civil rights legislation. May 20 remains a stark reminder of the sacrifices made for racial justice and the power of nonviolent resistance in the face of systemic oppression.