Young People Lead the Way

(See Frame-up, Escape, & Exile of Robert F. Williams for the story behind this photo.)

Never let them see you cry.

Clinton, TN, 1956.
The first Black students in the South integrate a white school.

The Little Rock Nine, 1957.

Ruby Bridges, New Orleans, 1960

Prince Edward County, Virginia. Students demand re-opening of their schools which have been closed for years to prevent court-ordered integration. Closing the schools denied education to Blacks, but white children were given vouchers to attend segregated "private academies" taught by white public-school teachers.

"No segregation over me"

High-school students picketing a segregated restaurant.
Their line is attacked by racists. The police club the demonstrators. A 15-year old girl lies unconscious in the street where she was beaten down, her sister kneels beside her.

See Nashville Student Movement for more information.

Orangeburg, SC. 1960

When school administrators forbid civil rights meetings in campus buildings, Claflin College students meet under the "Freedom Tree," Orangeburg, SC. 1956.

McComb Mississippi, 1961

High-school students marching in McComb Mississippi, 1961, to protest the murder of voting rights activist Herbert Lee, and the expulsion of classmate Brenda Travis.

The McComb students kneel in prayer. Shortly after this photo was taken, more than 100 are arrested and charged with "Disorderly Conduct." Clearly, the only order they are "dissing" is the order of racism.

Arrested for trying to read a book in a segregated library.

Albany, GA. 1961-1962

Oh, freedom over me...

Night march, Albany GA.

 
 
 
In another town on another day, heroic law enforcement officers apprehend yet another threat to the stability of the established order.

Freedom Now!

Minutes after the picture at left is taken, Mississippi State Troopers, attack the Meredith March. Wearing gas-masks, they charge through the blinding, choking tear gas, clubbing to the ground everyone they can reach...

...many were injured, but the march continued.

One Man — One Vote

Students arrested for demonstrating in support of voting rights, Selma Alabama, 1965.

How long?

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