Freedom Riders Research activity

Frances Bergman

• She was one of the original 13 CORE riders
• She was originally a elementary school teacher and administrator
• Her husband was beaten to death by Klu Klux Klan members after his last ride.
• She participated in the D.C. to Charlotte ride, which was the first ride .

Frances Bergman

• Her husband was also a freedom rider.
• She was one of the two original caucasian freedom riders.
• She was 51 when she participated in the first ride.

Journal Entry

May 4th, 1961
To whomever, it may concern,
Today is the day, I am heading to Charlotte with twelve other people, today is the day of history, I don’t know what will become of us. I hope we meet resistance in the cities that we pass on the way. I am currently riding on the first ever freedom ride. Hopefully, this will make a change in this country.
Best of luck to us,
Frances Bergman.