his month marks 60 years since the original 13 Freedom Riders--among them, a 21-year-old John Lewis--set out on two buses from Washington, D.C. to challenge the segregation of public transportation. In the weeks following their May 4, 1961 departure, the Freedom Riders were threatened, arrested, and attacked by violent mobs throughout the Deep South. They attracted the attention of the nation and the world, inspiring hundreds more riders from across the country to join their movement and in Mississippi that summer. To mark this anniversary, the Obama Foundation spoke with veterans of the Freedom Rides. In this clip, hear from Joan Mulholland.

Joan Mulholland on what she remembers about being arrested during the Freedom Rides

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In honor of Latinx Heritage month, we sat down with Mateo Zapata, a Chicago-based photographer documenting the public health crisis, the ways it is disproportionately affecting his community, and the systemic inequality it has brought to light. We spoke about how his heritage has influenced his work, and the message he hopes young people take from his images—that when the world stopped, it was people of color who kept it turning. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Joan Mulholland on what she remembers about being arrested during the Freedom Rides

Obama Foundation

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