It was after dinner and it was getting darkish and we have been in our tent to flee the mosquitos. We noticed flashlight beams by way of the display screen and heard the rustle of approaching footsteps. Within the distance we additionally heard barking canines.
The tent flap was immediately thrown open and we may barely see two males in khaki uniforms and troopers’ hats, their lights shining on our frightened faces. After just a few seconds one of many males stated very calmly, pleasantly drawn: “Good night. We verify the campsites to guard you good whites. Have a pleasant keep. ”They usually turned and walked away.
We youngsters didn’t perceive what was occurring. My father, who had a robust sense of integrity and justice, instantly noticed their motive. He acknowledged that MPs have been seemingly searching for “outdoors agitators” and that our Illinois license plates have been suspect.
This was the summer season of the Freedom Riders when younger activists, many from the north, black and white, women and men, all got here to protest the segregated amenities within the south, from bus depots and meals stalls to bogs and consuming fountains . Their techniques have been peaceable, however they typically met with brutal opposition. We got here to study historical past and we noticed a few of it firsthand.
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