Saturday, February 7, the San Fernando Valley Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated in conjunction with the Chatsworth Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library presents, “Freedom Riders”. The documentary by veteran filmmaker, Stanley Nelson, chronicles the journey of more than four hundred brave individuals from all walks of live who risked their lives from May until November 1961 to desegregate interstate travel in the south. In the film, Riders themselves, state and federal government officials, and journalists who witnessed the events firsthand retell their stories with buoyancy and heroism.
Following the screening of the two-hour film, Pastor James M. Thomas will moderate a momentous conversation with former Freedom Riders Rev. James Lawson and Kathleen O’Nan. Previously, the Chatsworth Library and Delta Sigma Theta screened Gary Ford’s award-winning documentary, “Justice Is A Black Woman” on the prolific life of the first female African-American federal judge, Constance Baker Motley.
When asked how did the organization go about selecting the Freedom Riders as the subject for this year’s Black History Month event? Monica Groves, Social Action Chair for the San Fernando Valley Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated commented, “In this, the third year of our partnership with the Chatsworth Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library on our Social Action programs, the Freedom Riders was selected from a four film series that is funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. As part of the Endowment’s Bridging Cultures initiative, “Created Equal: America’s Civil Rights Struggle” will encourage communities across the country to revisit the history of civil rights in the U.S. and to reflect on the ideals of freedom and equality that have helped bridge deep racial and cultural divides in American life.”
In light of the social unrest where many African American youths have been subject to police brutality, Groves shares this sentiment on why it’s important for a younger generation to know about the Freedom Riders. “Younger generations will see how young people such as Rev. James Lawson and Kathleen O’Nan were change makers and active in the securing equal rights for oppressed peoples in the United States. They can leave the screening feeling connected, empowered, and with a blue print on how to be activists in their own right.”
To learn more about the documentary screening visit: sfvadeltas.org