Friday, May 13, 2011

New York, NY, - Speaking at a screening of the PBS documentary "Freedom Riders" in midtown Manhattan, George Holmes, Executive Director of the Congress of Racial Equality – CORE called the Freedom Rides "one of the most significant events of the Civil Rights Movement in America and an important part of our country's history."

The screening, organized and hosted by AAWIC (African-American Women in Cinema) took place at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Labor Center Auditorium and Arts Gallery and was co-hosted by 1199 SEIU Bread & Roses Cultural Project. The Producer of the documentary, Laurens Grant, also spoke.

Holmes said that CORE had organized the Freedom Rides to test enforcement of Supreme Court decisions that outlawed discrimination in interstate transportation and facilities. The first "Freedom Ride" was conducted by thirteen CORE volunteers – Black and White, male & female – who left from Washington, DC, May 4, 1961 on two separate buses to challenge segregated travel facilities in the south. The original "Freedom Riders" were met at some stops by vicious mobs of racists who threatened and attacked them and set fire to one of the buses. In some instances the "Freedom Riders" were arrested and jailed. It was these acts of violence that sparked a national outcry and led to several more "Freedom Rides" being organized over the next several months. CORE Chairman, Roy Innis, said "CORE effectively took the battle out of the courtrooms and into the streets."

Holmes added that "Blacks and Whites stood together and put themselves on the line to make America a better place". He also called the documentary titled "Freedom Riders", scheduled to air Monday, May 16th on PBS stations nationwide, "one of the most complete and accurate depictions of the Freedom Rides to date." He praised the film's Director, Stanley Nelson, for an outstanding job in recognizing the bravery of the CORE volunteers and others who participated. Holmes said events are being organized throughout the year to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Freedom Rides.

George Holmes, CORE Executive Director & C.O.O., is available for comment and appearances regarding the 50th anniversary of the Freedom Rides and other CORE activities. Contact by telephone: (212)598-4000 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            (212)598-4000      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or email at: gholmes@core-online.org