How was the freedom riders able to overcome legal segregation?

Answer 1

The Freedom Riders were able to challenge and make significant strides against legal segregation in the United States through a combination of strategic tactics, nonviolent resistance, media attention, and legal actions. Here's how they were able to achieve some success:

1. **Nonviolent Civil Disobedience**: The Freedom Riders, inspired by the principles of nonviolent resistance advocated by leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., employed civil disobedience as a powerful tool. They intentionally violated segregation laws by riding integrated buses and sitting at segregated facilities.

2. **Media Attention**: The actions of the Freedom Riders garnered significant media attention. Television news broadcasts and newspaper reports documented their journeys, the violence they encountered, and their commitment to desegregation. The media coverage helped raise awareness and support for their cause, both nationally and internationally.

3. **Public Outrage**: The violence and brutality inflicted upon the Freedom Riders by white supremacists, including beatings and firebombings of buses, shocked the conscience of many Americans. This public outrage put pressure on the federal government to intervene and address the issue of segregation more forcefully.

4. **Support from Civil Rights Organizations**: The Freedom Riders had the support of prominent civil rights organizations like the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). These organizations provided training, resources, and legal assistance to the riders.

5. **Involvement of Federal Government**: The Kennedy administration, under President John F. Kennedy, became increasingly involved as the Freedom Rides continued. The U.S. Department of Justice and the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) took actions to enforce desegregation on interstate travel.

6. **ICC Ruling**: The ICC, which had regulatory authority over interstate bus travel, issued a ruling in September 1961 stating that segregation in interstate transportation was illegal. This ruling provided a legal basis for desegregating buses and terminals.

7. **Expansion of Civil Rights Legislation**: The actions of the Freedom Riders and the attention they garnered contributed to the momentum for civil rights legislation. The following year, in 1964, the Civil Rights Act was passed, which prohibited discrimination in public accommodations, including buses and terminals.

8. **Persistence**: Despite facing violent attacks and arrests, the Freedom Riders remained persistent and continued their efforts. Their determination helped maintain the spotlight on the issue of segregation and civil rights.

It's important to note that the struggle for civil rights and desegregation was a long and ongoing process, and the Freedom Rides were just one part of that larger movement. While they did not immediately end segregation, they played a crucial role in bringing national attention to the issue and pushing for legal and social change that eventually led to the dismantling of segregation in various aspects of American life.

Answer 2

They asked Martin Luther King j.r to help and once he made that wonderful speech it went to their heads and changed life as we know it.But Martin Luther couldn't do it if he didnt have help by the Freedom Riders.

Answer 3

They did not overcome legal segregation; this is a common myth. The Freedom Riders true intentions were to convince those of African-American descent that it is perfectly fine to live in separation. The Freedom Riders brought freedom to unfortunate Caucasian shop owners in Birmingham Alabama who were forced to treat Africans as one of them even though they knew they were different. The Freedom Riders simply attempted to bring freedom to both species in order for them to finally live in peace. Of course this was an utter failure as closed minded viewpoints were more successful. Now we live in bitter existence amongst each other.

Sources: http://www.informationbirmingham.com/

http://tinyurl.com/7x62f8a

Answer 4

by doing sit ins and having the Civil Rights Movement act

Answer 5

The Freedom Riders rode buses into the southern part of the United States, which was highly segregated at the time. They provoked often violent reactions. This happened in the early 1960's.