Williams, Devlin, Henry Work to Bring Freedom Rides Historic Marker to Fredericksburg
![Chris Williams, Erin Devlin and Christine Henry with Mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw, Delegate Joshua Cole and Vice Mayor Chuck Frye. Photo by Karen Pearlman.](https://eagleeye.umw.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/7497-K-Pearlman-Photography-300x200.jpg)
Chris Williams, Erin Devlin and Christine Henry with Mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw, Delegate Joshua Cole and Vice Mayor Chuck Frye. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
James Farmer Multicultural Center Assistant Director Chris Williams, Associate Professor of History Erin Devlin and Assistant Professor of Historic Preservation Christine Henry have worked with City of Fredericksburg officials to erect a historic marker at the site of the old bus station on Princess Anne and Wolfe streets, where the Freedom Riders first stopped 60 years ago in their quest to desegregate interstate travel.
This story has been featured by several local, regional and national media outlets.
Fredericksburg set to place marker honoring Freedom Riders’ first stop (The Free Lance-Star)
Freedom Riders marker in Fredericksburg, Va., tells the ‘untold story’ (The Washington Post)
Historical marker to be erected in Fredericksburg on 60th anniversary of Freedom Rides (WJLA)
Trip from DC to Fredericksburg bus station was first leg of Freedom Riders journey (WTOP)
Fredericksburg Remembers the Freedom Rides’ First Stop (WVTF)
Marker Furthers UMW Mission on Freedom Rides’ 60th Anniversary
![Today, on the 60th anniversary of the start of the Freedom Rides, a temporary historic marker was unveiled at the site of the former Fredericksburg bus station, where the Freedom Riders first stopped in 1961. The marker is the result of efforts by UMW staff, faculty and students, in partnership with the City of Fredericksburg. Photo by Karen Pearlman.](https://eagleeye.umw.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/7439-K-Pearlman-Photography-293x300.jpg)
Today, on the 60th anniversary of the start of the Freedom Rides, a temporary historic marker was unveiled at the site of the former Fredericksburg bus station, where the Freedom Riders first stopped in 1961. The marker is the result of efforts by UMW staff, faculty and students, in partnership with the City of Fredericksburg. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
Sixty years ago today, 13 men and women – seven Black and six white – departed Washington, D.C., on Greyhound and Trailways buses. Led by civil rights icon James L. Farmer Jr., these Freedom Riders embarked on a quest to desegregate interstate travel.
Their first stop? Fredericksburg, Virginia. The riders visited the bus station terminal and lunch counter, once located at the corner of Princess Anne and Wolfe streets, where the fire station stands today.
The bus depot was torn down years ago, but this afternoon, a historical marker was erected in its place, thanks to the tireless work of University of Mary Washington staff, faculty and students, in partnership with the City of Fredericksburg. Their efforts are part of a greater campaign to share the history of the region’s Black residents, as well as UMW’s commitment to keep alive the legacy of the Freedom Riders and Dr. Farmer. Read more.
Fredericksburg set to place marker honoring Freedom Riders’ first stop (The Free Lance-Star)
Williams Featured on WJLA Story on Dr. Farmer’s Legacy
![UMW James Farmer Multicultural Center Assistant Director Chris Williams. Photo by Karen Pearlman.](https://eagleeye.umw.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/737420K20Pearlman20Photography-300x200.jpg)
UMW James Farmer Multicultural Center Assistant Director Chris Williams. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
James Farmer Multicultural Center Assistant Director Chris Williams was featured in a WJLA story about how he and the staff and students involved with the JFMC carry on the legacy of Dr. James L. Farmer Jr. Watch here.
Williams Featured in Free Lance-Star, Washington Post
![UMW James Farmer Multicultural Center Assistant Director Chris Williams. Photo by Karen Pearlman.](https://eagleeye.umw.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/737420K20Pearlman20Photography-300x200.jpg)
UMW James Farmer Multicultural Center Assistant Director Chris Williams. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
James Farmer Multicultural Center Assistant Director Chris Williams was interviewed in The Free Lance-Star about his appearance on PBS’s “American Portrait” on Tuesday, Jan. 26 at 9 p.m.; the article was also reprinted in The Washington Post. Williams was chosen from 11,000 people who submitted a response to the episode’s prompt, “What is the tradition you carry on?” Williams discussed how he continues Dr. Farmer’s legacy through his work with the James Farmer Multicultural Center.
The legacy of James Farmer—who founded the Committee on Racial Equality, led the first Freedom Rides and taught at UMW from 1984 to 1998—is also personal for Williams. He is a product of the James Farmer Scholars Program, which was created in 1987 to assist selected public school students in Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Caroline and Westmoreland counties with preparing for and enrolling in higher education. Read more.