SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 955
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
recognize the 50th anniversary of the Freedom Rides of 1961 and
to welcome Robert Farrell, a participant in those historic
efforts, which played a key role in the struggle for racial
equality in the United States; and
WHEREAS, In May of 1961, an interracial group of bus riders
set out to test the new law that forbade segregation in
interstate transportation; organized by the Congress of Racial
Equality and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee,
these riders employed the strategy of nonviolence to draw
attention to the multiple injustices of segregation; and
WHEREAS, The rides began in Washington, D.C., where two
teams of riders boarded buses to travel to New Orleans, with
their route taking them through the deep South and exposing them
to the threat of violent reprisals; the start of the trip went
well, and the group was welcomed in Atlanta by Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr.; later along the route, however, the buses were
attacked and riders were beaten by crowds; and
WHEREAS, The Freedom Riders' refusal to be intimidated,
their steadfast and righteous defiance, and their brave
commitment to their mission helped bring about the nationwide
public realization that integration was a moral imperative while
also inspiring the immediate and direct support of hundreds of
young people, both black and white, who came from across the
country to join them; and
WHEREAS, In August of that same year, another group of
riders, including Robert Farrell, set forth from Los Angeles by
train to further the cause of helping our nation implement the
ideals of its founding; these riders were arrested and jailed in
Houston for nonviolently attempting to desegregate that city's
Union Station Coffee Shop; and
WHEREAS, These struggles for equality brought to the
forefront many young people whose experiences in the Freedom
Rides inspired them to become leaders in the civil rights
movement and in their communities; leaders such as Congressman
John Lewis of Georgia and longtime Los Angeles Councilman Robert
Farrell have served as an inspiration to generations of activists
working to effect societal change; and
WHEREAS, The Freedom Rides played a vital role in bringing
attention to the inequities faced by African Americans in this
country; it is truly fitting that they be recognized as a vital
part of our shared history on the occasion of their 50th
anniversary; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd
Legislature, hereby commend the Freedom Riders on their courage
and their dedication to equal rights and call on all Texans to
recognize their historic contributions to bringing our nation
closer to its principles and ideals; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in
honor of this significant occasion in our nation's history.
Ellis, West
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on May 10, 2011.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate
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Member, Texas Senate