In honor of Black History Month, an historic exhibit from the prestigious collection of the late Mayme Clayton in Culver City, celebrating the heroic Freedom Riders of the civil rights movement, will open a nearly four-month run on Wednesday evening in Sacramento.
The late Mrs. Clayton’s collection — which she singlehandedly recruited before her death at the age of 83 — is showcased at the black history museum named in her honor, 4130 Overland Ave., across from the Vets Auditorium.
Called “Get on Board: Stories of the Los Angeles to Houston Freedom Ride,” the exhibit will be on display through May 29 at the California Museum for Women, History and the Arts,1020 O St. in the state capitol.
The California Legislative Black Caucus, chaired by Sen. Curren D. Price Jr. (D-Culver City), is hosting the exhibit that highlights the seldom heard story of CORE’s (Congress of Racial Equality) freedom ride from Los Angeles to Houston in August of 1961.
Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the freedom rides, this exhibition underscores the ambitious optimism that inspired 11 Californians to leave their schools, their families and their homes to Get On Board a train for a ride to secure the promise of freedom and liberty for all Americans. Several riders will speak at the reception about their experiences in 1961.
Houston was not the intended destination for the 11 students. But the Freedom Riders, both men and women, black and white, became entrenched in the unique civil rights history of Texas.
“I am really honored to showcase this unique collection and share a piece of our history with a wide population of citizens, young and old,” said Sen. Price.
“These courageous young people left their comfortable lives in California and went to the segregated South to fight for the rights of every American to enjoy equality and social justice.
“The Freedom Rides played a significant role in changing public policy in California and across the United States of America,” the senator said. “Their stories must be told and remembered.”
