Alabama Freedom Riders recall their fight for equal treatment
By Michael Sznajderman May 20, 2021
The Rev. Clyde L. Carter and his wife, Eva, stand next to a refurbished 1960s-era Greyhound bus at the Birmingham Public Library. Sixty years ago, Carter rode similar buses as part of the Freedom Rides in defiance of segregation. (Michael Sznajderman / Alabama NewsCenter)
Two Birmingham natives who participated 60 years ago in the historic Freedom Rides told their stories to an inquisitive and admiring crowd Wednesday evening at the Birmingham Public Library.
Catherine Burks-Brooks and the Rev. Clyde L. Carter weren’t on the first two buses that left Washington, D.C., on May 4, 1961, that were attacked by pro-segregation mobs in Anniston and Birmingham. Rather, they were part of the subsequent wave of young blacks and whites who continued the rides on interstate buses later that month and through the summer of 1961 with the goal of permanently crushing segregated public tra
When people think about members of the clergy and how they came to their calling, they might envision their backgrounds, experiences, college majors and even what they did in earlier careers.
Some might imagine a liberal arts major who studied history and religion, or a psychology major who spent time as a social worker.
Chances are, though, the image probably would not be of individuals who majored in business and worked in the corporate world before feeling their call.
At Westminster Presbyterian Church in Upper St. Clair, that not only is the story for the new senior pastor and head of staff, but for the associate pastor for congregational care, as well.
Lubbock-area faith calendar
NOTE: Not all Lubbock area churches have fully reopened for services. Please call ahead to check if the church of your choosing is open or still worshiping virtually and, if it is open, what COVID-19 safety guidelines may be in place. Please send updates to: newmedia@lubbockonline.com
SATURDAY
• Christ the King Cathedral Divine Mercy Chaplet: 3 p.m. First Saturday, 4011 54th St. Note: CTK events are only meeting face-to-face for Mass. Mass can also be watched online at https://ctk-cathedral.org/
• St. John the Baptist Adoration and Reconciliation: 4-4:45 p.m., 98th Street and Indiana Avenue.
• St. Catherine Orthodox Church Vigil: 6 p.m., 1510 Ave. X. Information: (901) 605-6651.