Schools

Freedom Rider Imparts Life Lessons to Students

Matt Walker Jr. shared his experiences as an original Freedom Rider during a presentation at North Kirkwood Middle School Friday.

The following article was submitted by the .

students were treated to a piece of living history during a presentation on Friday.

One of the original Freedom Riders, Matt Walker Jr., shared his experiences as one of the youngest participants on the Freedom Rides. Prior to Walker’s visit, students and parents were encouraged to watch a PBS documentary together about the Freedom Rides.

Find out what's happening in Kirkwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Walker’s presentation began with a candid description of the “Jim Crow oppressive way of life.” He shared his experiences about going to a department store and being able to buy but not try on clothes because of his skin color as well as bathrooms being designated as men, women and colored.

At a stop on the Freedom Ride, Walker had the opportunity to meet Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Find out what's happening in Kirkwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Walker shared his interactions with King whom he described as a “smart and impressive man.”  Walker was part of a group of Freedom Riders who had to discourage King from participating in the Freedom Rides. King was very passionate about participating, but Riders were concerned that the on going violence would only be heightened with King’s presence on the buses.

A few days after meeting King and crossing the state line into Mississippi, the Freedom Riders were arrested for “their own protection” according to Mississippi police. Walker was part of the second wave of arrests in Jackson, MS, and transported to the Parchman State Prison Farm.

Walker described his time in the penitentiary as “experiencing things I’ve tried to forget.” He talked about the oppressive conditions and violent acts he and the other Freedom Riders endured in prison. Walker said they would sing songs to cope with the horrible conditions.

Walker ended the presentation with a straightforward call to action to students.  He asked them to “have courage to do the right thing, not a lack of courage to keep from doing the right thing. Trouble is easy to get into and hard to get out of.”  He also shared that living a non-violent life, “will give you a better and healthier life.”


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Kirkwood