Back in the day, Atlanta’s powerbrokers boasted that their city was too busy to hate. Is there a time for hate? Last night we ate a family style supper with Charles and JoEtta Person. Mr. Person is one of only a few remaining Freedom Riders, a group of civil rights activists who risked their lives to help desegregate travel across the South. As he recounted his experiences—which included acts of courage and generosity—I felt inspired by Mr Person’s personal commitment to non-violence as a way of life. He didn’t deny the reality of anger but he counseled us to avoid holding a grudge.
Recounting these words on screen doesn’t convey the impact that his presence lent his straightforward wisdom. He is clearly a warrior for peace. In fact, when pressed by us for an example of what would provoke his anger, he shared his abiding frustration with the injustice his father suffered as a veteran. Denied the benefits extended to veterans elsewhere in the country, Mr Person’s father worked two jobs plus side work to support his family. Holding a grudge under these circumstances would be easy but Mr Person is too busy living for that. In fact, he’s interested in meeting up and sharing a drink with those who violently attacked the Freedom Riders. Now that’s staying busy!
Booking photos of several Freedom Riders