Charles Person, one of the original Freedom Riders from the Civil Rights Movement, emphasized the importance of young people voting during a gathering of Generation Z and millennial activists in Atlanta. Organized by the nonprofit New Leaders Council, the conference aimed to promote civic engagement among the youth.
The event in Atlanta coincided with a pivotal moment in the state, following President Joe Biden’s campaign exit which boosted hopes for Democrats in the upcoming November election. More than 15,500 volunteers have joined ground efforts in Georgia within a week of Vice President Kamala Harris officially entering the race.
Despite the enthusiasm among these young activists, there was an underlying sense of uncertainty about the current political landscape. Person encouraged the group to focus on organizing voter turnout efforts, prompting a discussion where one activist expressed doubts about voting due to a disillusionment with candidates not aligning with their values.
Person acknowledged the frustration that can arise from following the news but emphasized the importance of looking beyond individual issues for the greater good. He urged the activists to educate others about government processes, share their experiences, ideas, and most importantly, take action with the resources they have available.
Alongside fellow Freedom Rider Joan Browning, Person visited Emory University to donate their archives to the Rose Library. The collection commemorates the brave activists who participated in the rides that challenged segregation on interstate transportation in 1961.
Both activists, who endured violence during their rides, remain hopeful about the country’s future despite the challenges to civil rights legislation like the Voting Rights Act. They draw their optimism from the younger generation, believing in their potential to bring about positive change.
Amid discussions at the conference reflecting on the struggle of holding politicians accountable and the exhaustion of rhetoric around hope, attendees found inspiration in Person’s words. While some expressed frustration at the lack of responsiveness from politicians, others were motivated by Person’s reminder of the sacrifices made to secure the right to vote.
Person, who acknowledged his own grievances but stressed the importance of voting, and Browning, who likened voting to a journey where progress may be gradual but necessary, highlighted the enduring nature of change. They emphasized the need for persistence and engagement in the political process.
