Chairman Eaves Welcomes Freedom Rider Reunion to Fulton County

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Staff Report

Fulton County Board of Commissioners Chairman John H. Eaves is proud to host an event honoring the Freedom Riders, a group of civil rights activists who pressed for voting rights and integration of public facilities throughout the Southeast.

A reception for the Freedom Riders is scheduled for Friday, April 17, 2015 at 11:00AM.

The event will be held in the Fulton County Government Center; 141 Pryor Street SW; Atlanta, GA 30303. The reception is one part of a weekend of commemorations organized by former Freedom Rider Hank Thomas.

“The Freedom Riders were the ultimate foot soldiers in the battle to reaffirm our civil rights,” said Chairman Eaves. “Time should not dim the glory of their deeds, instead an occasion like this one should remind us all about those who sacrificed so much for all of us.”

The same year that Chairman Eaves and thousands of others honored their work and sacrifice with a visit to Selma, Alabama, several participants in the Freedom Rides will meet in Atlanta from April 16 to April 19. Worship services and a visit to the Center for Civil and Human Rights are among the other activities for the group during its stay in Atlanta.

“We want to show our appreciation as a county to the Freedom Riders,” said Fulton County Commission Chairman Eaves. “How can you thank someone for going out on a limb to preserve the rights of others? We believe this event is a small step in that direction.”