Neighborhood Writing Alliance writers will share the stage with Congo Square Theatre, and Young Chicago Authors to perform their new works of literature and theater that were inspired by the Freedom Riders and that honor the legacy of the movement.

The year 2011 marks the 50th anniversary of the Freedom Rides – a historic movement which took place from May to November 1961, when over 400 mostly young Americans risked their lives and freedom to challenge the Jim Crow travel laws that remained in force throughout the South. These ‘Freedom Riders’ were committed to non-violent action, yet faced savage beatings, angry mobs, and imprisonment on their journeys.  Their efforts ultimately prompted Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy to confront the Interstate Commerce Commission with its failure to enforce federal law, ending Jim Crow laws in interstate public transportation.

DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 E. 56th Pl., Chicago. Saturday, May 7th from 3:30pm to 5:30pm. This event is free and open to the public but reservation required. RSVP here.