Documentary and Discussion: The Power of Our Convictions
Date/Time: | Tuesday, 29 Mar 2011 from 12:10 pm to 4:00 pm |
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Location: | Pioneer Room, Memorial Union |
Cost: | Free |
Contact: | |
Phone: | 515-294-9934 |
Channel: | Lecture Series |
Categories: | Diversity Lectures |
Actions: | Download iCal/vCal | Email Reminder |
To register, go to AccessPlus > Employee tab> HRS Training > Courses. Questions? Call CELT at 294-5357.
Ernest "Rip" Patton, Jr., Freedom Rider
The 21-year-old Tennessee State student was the drum major in the university marching band when in 1961 he became involved in the Nashville Movement. Patton arrived in Montgomery, Alabama, on Tuesday, May 23 to help reinforce the riders meeting at the home of Dr. Harris after the May 21 firebombing and siege of Montgomery's First Baptist Church.
Ernest "Rip" Patton, Jr., took part in the May 24, 1961, Greyhound Freedom Ride to Jackson, Mississippi, where he was arrested and later transferred to Mississippi's notorious Parchman State Prison Farm. Patton was one of fourteen Tennessee State University students expelled for participating in the rides. Following the Freedom Rides, he worked as a jazz musician and later as a long-distance truck driver and community leader. For the past three years, Patton has served as the Freedom Rider on an annual university sponsored Civil Rights tour of the Deep South.