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Black Caucus Hosts "Get On Board" A Historical Exhibit of California Freedom Riders at the California Museum

Opening Reception on February 2, 2011.  Exhibition on Display thru May 29, 2011

Sacramento, CA – In honor of Black History Month, the California Legislative Black Caucus is hosting Get On Board: Stories of the Los Angeles to Houston Freedom Ride, a historical exhibit which highlights the seldom heard story of CORE’s (Congress of Racial Equality) freedom ride from Los Angeles, California to Houston, Texas in August of 1961.

The exhibit will be on display through May 29th at the California Museum for Women, History and the Arts, at 1020 O Street, Sacramento, CA 95814

Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the freedom rides, this exhibition underscores the ambitious optimism that inspired 11 Californians to leave their schools, their families and their homes to Get On Board a train for a ride to secure the promise of freedom and liberty for all Americans.

Houston was not the intended destination for the 11 students, but the Freedom Riders, both men and women, black and white, became entrenched in the unique civil rights history of Texas.

“We are really honored to showcase this unique collection in the State Capitol, and share a piece of our history with a wide population of citizens, young and old,” said Senator Curren D. Price, Jr., Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus.

“These courageous young people left their comfortable lives in California and went to the segregated South to fight for the rights of every American to enjoy equality and social justice.

“The Freedom Rides played a significant role in changing public policy in California and across the United States of America,” Senator Price said. “Their stories must be told and remembered.”

What:  Historical Exhibition of “Get on Board; Stories of California Freedom Riders” from Mayme A. Clayton Library and Museum

When: Feb. 2, 2011 – May 29, 2011

Where: California Museum for Women, History and the Arts, 1020 O Street, Sacramento, CA 95814