The segregation and disenfranchisement laws known as "Jim Crow" created a system of racial apartheid across the American South for more than 75 years. The laws affected almost every aspect of daily life, mandating segregation of schools, parks, libraries, drinking fountains, restrooms, buses, trains, and restaurants.

Ray Arsenault discusses the importance of Irene Morgan, who took her case to the Supreme Court with Morgan vs. Virginia. However, the subsequent Supreme Court ruling of the unconstitutionality of segregated interstate bus travel, Julian Bond points out, was largely ignored in the segregated South.

Glenda Gaither Davis is interviewed while riding on the bus toward Jackson, Mississippi.

On September 22, 1961, the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) orders all "colored only" and "whites only" signs to be taken down in all bus and rail stations across the country. "This was the first unambiguous victory in the long history of the civil rights movement," says Ray Arsenault. "It raised expectations across the board for greater victories in the future."

Jim Lawson speaks about why he chose nonviolence intervention.

Genevieve Hughes speaks about her disappointment at the lack of press coverage.

Genevieve Hughes speaks about Jim Farmer not wanting her on the Ride.

Bernard Lafayette speaks about three groups from the Nashville Student Movement.

John Lewis speaks about the Freedom Rides' accomplishments.

Bernard Lafayette speaks about traveling in the South.

Genevieve Hughes speaks about press coverage increasing due to the violence.

Jerry Moore speaks about what the Freedom Rides accomplished.

John Lewis speaks about traveling in 1960.

Reverend C.T. Vivian speaks about Robert F. Kennedy asking for a cooling off period.

Reverend C.T. Vivian speaks about why blacks were resisting oppression in the 1960s.

John Seigenthaler speaks about Martin Luther King liberating both black and white Americans.

Janie McKinney speaks about the Southern society as a house of cards.

Catherine Burks-Brooks speaks about deciding to join the Freedom Ride with the Nashville Student Movement.

Jim Lawson speaks about JFK and the Cold War as a critical issue facing the U.S.

Ray Arsenault speaks about the ICC desegregation order.