Ch. 29 Sect. 2 The Struggle Intensiies

Objectives: 1. Describe the goals of sit‐ins and Freedom Rides and the reactions they provoked. 2. Summarize civil rights protests in Albany, Georgia, and at “Ole Miss.” 3. Explain how violence against protesters in Birmingham affected attitudes throughout the nation. Main Idea: The tactics of nonviolent protest, including sit‐ins and boycotts, challenged segregation and brought change, but also generated violent confrontations.

 The Sit­in

 African American students continued the success of the Montgomery bus boycott, by continuing to protest nonviolently even when angry whites responded with violence. CORE instituted the sit­in in 1943. An interracial group of CORE members would walk into an establishment and refused to leave until they were served.

 This technique will be used effectively by young African Americans throughout the South. The SCLC supported the sit­in and King, Jr. told students that being arrested was “a badge of honor.” In 1961, 70,000 students participated in sit­ins, and 3,600 spent time in jail. 1st SNCC Sit­in Greensboro, N.C. Feb. 1, 1960 Freedom Rides

 In 1961, CORE organized another protest called the Freedom Rides. Interracial groups purchased bus tickets and would ride across state lines and would attempt to be served at bus terminals.

 The riders met with very little resistance until they reached the “Deep South.” In the “Deep South” mobs of angry whites were waiting on the riders. The violence was so bad that CORE almost called off the protest.

 SNCC continued the ride with the protection of federal marshals. The federal government quickly enforced desegregation on all interstate transportation. Freedom Ride May 14,1961 Anniston, Alabama

Albany Movement & Ole Miss

 The Albany Movement was not very successful, largely due to the police using nonviolent tactics themselves or keeping the press from seeing civil rights violations.

 James Meredith sued to become the irst African American student at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). The governor of Mississippi refused to allow his entrance, until he was forced to by federal marshals. Meredith was given federal protection until he graduated. James Meredith September 1962 James Meredith Statue 2006 Turning The Tide In Birmingham

 Birmingham, Alabama was a perfect place for a protest, with 40% of the city being African American and it was strictly segregated.

 King, Jr. again led the movement, which met with heavy violence from the Birmingham police. King, Jr. was arrested for having a parade without a permit, children were attacked by police dogs and ire hoses, and eventually the protest won out.

 Even Americans who did not support the Civil Rights movement sympathized with the protesters. Bill Hudson's image of Parker High School student Walter Gadsden being attacked by dogs was published in The New York Times on May 4, 1963. Blasted With Fire Hoses