American Experience · SEASON 23
Freedom Riders
Episode 12 · 2011-05-16

- Documentary
Episode overview
They called themselves the Freedom Riders, and they managed to bring the president and the entire American public face to face with the challenge of correcting civil-rights inequities that plagued the nation. Veteran filmmaker Stanley Nelson’s inspirational documentary is the first feature-length film about this courageous band of civil-rights activists. Gaining impressive access to influential figures on both sides of the issue, Nelson chronicles a chapter of American history that stands as an astonishing testament to the accomplishment of youth and what can result from the incredible combination of personal conviction and the courage to organize against all odds.
55 minutes
Season 23 episodes
1. God in America (Parts 1–2)2010-10-11
2. God in America (Parts 3-4)2010-10-12
3. God in America (Parts 5-6)2010-10-13
4. Robert E. Lee2011-01-03
5. Dinosaur Wars2011-01-17
6. Panama Canal2011-01-24
7. The Greely Expedition2011-01-31
8. Triangle Fire2011-02-28
9. The Great Famine2011-04-11
10. Stonewall Uprising2011-04-25
11. Soundtrack for a Revolution2011-05-09
12. Freedom Riders2011-05-16