Freedom Riders Documentary, A Road of Courage

A bus on fire, police line up photos along with other never seen images and videos of the 1960’s civil rights movement was shown in the documentary “Freedom Riders” that was screened at the Scholastic Center in Lower Manhattan.

The documentary tells the story of brave individuals that boarded Greyhound and Trail way buses to deliberately defy ordinances and laws against the colored people of the South. 
 
Facing violence and grave danger the Freedom riders sought to shed light of the intolerance and injustice for the benefit of future generations.

“You just can’t guarantee the safely of a fool and that’s what these folks are - fools”

Freedom Rider Lewis Zuchman recalls the decision that changed his life.

Lewis Zuchman, Freedom rider:
“It was the anticipation of the unknown, there was a certain amount of anxiety and fear, not so much as being beaten but fear of what’s going to happen. Ultimately it was a transformative experience in my life, really the first time in my life I felt I done something good and special and it was very important for me. “

But bringing together the survivors personal stories was a challenge for the Producer.

Laurens Grant, Producer, Freedom Riders:
“Interviews, all the archival material, and even before you get to that stage, your almost like an air traffic controller. As well you have (to) sort of organize all these different facets, and in the end, bring them together to make a documentary."

Ms. Grant says the Freedom Riders paved a trail for today's society.

Laurens Grant, Producer, Freedom Riders:
" … America stands out as this beacon to other countries because there are laws that were passed."

Sarah Cook, Freedom House:
"I thought it was important to come and learn a little bit more on what had happened and some of the people who were involved, cause it takes a tremendous amount of courage to do what they did."

This movie is inspirational and leaves one to wonder, how far would we travel in pursuit of freedom for ourselves and others.
 
The documentary can be found on PBS’s website and on Youtube.

NTD News, New York