American Experience’s Freedom Riders documentary tells the powerful and inspirational story of the original freedom rides. In 1961, over 400 Civil Rights activists rode interstate buses together through the Deep South to protest Jim Crow laws. For a harrowing six months, they risked their own personal safety and endured imprisonment and violence as they set a powerful example for the rest of the nation. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1961 rides, the American Experience 2011 Student Freedom Ride will feature 40 current college students retracing the original route from Washington, D.C. to New Orleans, LA.

Liberty Mutual is proud to sponsor the Freedom Riders documentary and support the 2011 ride as a way to honor the important legacy of individuals that acted with integrity to do the right thing, no matter what the cost. 

The Responsibility Project is featuring 12 short films to supplement the documentary, and we’re also documenting the entire 2011 ride in a comprehensive photo journal, updated daily for the duration of the event. For more information about the Freedom Riders, visit the American Experience website and be sure to tune in to PBS for the premiere of Freedom Riders on May 16th.

To learn more about education materials available, including a downloadable Freedom Riders study guide, visit Liberty Mutual's Learn Return website.