Black History Month: Freedom Rider Visits River Eves

You could have heard a pin drop in the gymnasium at River Eves Elementary school early this month as Charles Person, one of the first Freedom Riders, shared the harrowing and unforgettable experiences he faced in Anniston, Alabama on a quiet and fateful day in 1961.

Although the U.S. Supreme Court had outlawed racist practices in 1946 and again in 1960, many white southerners continued to follow their own set of rules. Then, in the spring and summer of 1961, an alliance of brave men and women—black and white, young and old—boarded buses in protest of these discriminatory behaviors. They called themselves the Freedom Riders.

Person was invited to speak at River Eves as part of Black History month and in support of the school curriculum on the Civil Rights movement, but his message to students was even greater. 

“The diverse groups of people who came together in the 1960’s did so because we knew what was happening was wrong. It made our blood boil and even though we knew we faced great danger, we got on those buses anyway because we were all determined to make a change,” he said. “Change always starts with young people. I don’t know what your ‘bus’ will be—but find it and get on it. When you put your mind to something, you can achieve great things.”

Just over 50 years later, students and staff of different ages and races listened with rapt attention to Person's stories. 

“What these courageous men and women did in the 1960’s made it possible for us to have what we enjoy today at River Eves:  A place where we can all be together and learn together,” said Dionne Sturdivant, a fourth grade teacher at River Eves who helped organize the event. 

Person, who is fascinated by the advancements in personal technology of this generation and is an avid Internet-surfer, also encouraged students to strike a balance between the many benefits technology can bring and developing the mind and spirit in other ways—through hobbies, music, and reading.

“Don’t ever let yourself be bored if the electricity goes out,” he said.  

A lifelong learner, Person devoured any educational material he could get his hands on. While he was accepted to MIT and hoped to attend Georgia Tech as a young person, he was unable to attend either due to his race and finances. He studied at Morehouse College in Atlanta and at the age of 18, decided to join the Freedom Riders. After those life-changing events, he went on to further serve his country as a U.S. Marine, doing a tour in Vietnam and then becoming a business owner and father to six children.

Person and his wife live in Atlanta, Georgia.

“We are extremely honored to have Charles Person here with us today,” said Neil Pinnock, River Eves Principal. “Not only are we grateful for what he and other like-minded Americans have done for our country, we are grateful for his time and message today.”

The River Eves Student Council President and Vice President presented Mr. Person with a special pin, making him an honorary Student Council Member. “I will wear it with pride,” said Person.

"One of the most important characteristics that we, as teachers, can help instill in our students is character," said Dionne Sturdivant, fourth grade teacher at River Eves. "The Freedom Rider movement is important for students to understand. Not only did it capture the attention of the entire nation—but it exemplified the true courage and depth of character of people like Charles Person, who stood up against terrible injustice for the benefit of all American citizens. I can't think of a better lesson to pass along to our young people."