I am new to the list and so apologize if there have been any recent inquiries along these lines. I am a PhD candidate writing my dissertation on the Freedom Rides. I have done most of my research and am beginning to write my second chapter, which will take the rides from the planning process to the trip beginning in DC and through Virginia. I am very well versed in all of the secondary literature and have done substantial primary source research. However, i am afraid I might be missing something in Virginia. Very little happened on the Rides in Virginia, but part of that is because the Ride had been announced in the DC areaand many places took down their Jim Crow signs. I would be interested in personal memories, particularly from anyone who might have been active in the movement, as well as to citations from local papers or other primary sources and the like. You can respond to me on the list (especially if we want to prompt a discussion of the Rides in the context of this being the 40th anniversary year) or off list at [log in to unmask]

Thanks --

Derek Catsam

Phd Candidate, Contemporary History Institute, Ohio University