NPS - National Park Service

05/08/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/08/2021 11:50

Freedom Riders National Monument to Commemorate 60th Anniversary with Luminary Lighting, New Interpretive Resources

Date:
May 8, 2021
Contact:Jessica Epperson, 256-499-7209

On May 14, Freedom Riders National Monument (FRRI) will host a luminary lighting at the Greyhound Bus Burn Site. 400+ luminaries, representing the 400+ Freedom Riders, will be lit at dusk, beginning at 8:00 pm. The cast of Freedom Riders: The Civil Rights Musical will join members of the Anniston High School choir, led by Reuben Mitchell, to perform songs from the civil rights movement as the luminaries are lit.

This event is not open to the public, but will be live streamed on the FRRI YouTube channel and through Facebook Live on the FRRI Facebook page. Follow FRRI on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/FreedomRidersNPS/) for more information and updates.

In addition to this commemorative event, new ways to learn about the Freedom Rides will soon be available in Anniston and Calhoun County. Three interpretive wayside panels with information about the Freedom Riders story will be installed at the Bus Burn Site, at the junction of Old Birmingham Highway and Highway 202, and a new visitor kiosk at the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce (1330 Quintard Avenue) will provide digital displays about the Freedom Rides and other NPS civil rights sites. These new resources will be installed during the month of May.

Limited visitor parking is available at the Bus Burn Site. For more information, visit the FRRI website (www.nps.gov/frri/).

Freedom Riders National Monument encourages visitors to wear masks and practice social distancing. For more information, e-mail us or call (256) 499-7209.