James Reed, Reverse Freedom Ride, 1962
James Reed, aged 42 (born about 1920) from Lake Providence, LA, was featured in a August 16, 1962 Jet Magazine story that mentions his participation in a "reverse" Freedom Ride from Lake Providence to Redwood Falls, MN.
"Reverse" Freedom Rides were Jim Crow's way of attempting to turn the tide of northerners trying to integrate the South by sending black southerners to integrate predominately white northern cities. Many of these "reverse" freedom rides ended up unsuccessful, and Reed's situation was not exempt.
Once Reed arrived in Minnesota, he found that the job he was promised did not exist and that no preparations for his arrival had been made. He had left a wife and three children behind. Luckily, some of the townspeople took him in.
"Reverse" Freedom Rides were Jim Crow's way of attempting to turn the tide of northerners trying to integrate the South by sending black southerners to integrate predominately white northern cities. Many of these "reverse" freedom rides ended up unsuccessful, and Reed's situation was not exempt.
Once Reed arrived in Minnesota, he found that the job he was promised did not exist and that no preparations for his arrival had been made. He had left a wife and three children behind. Luckily, some of the townspeople took him in.
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