Congressman remembers Freedom Rides

Congressman Filner addresses Grossmont students, including the author. Photo by Stephen Harvey.

By William Dudley

GROSSMONT COLLEGE–So I am trying to get started on my brilliant editorial this Monday when Grossmont counselor T. Ford knocks on the door and tells me that Congressman Bob Filner is about to arrive on campus.

Filner was one of 329 Civil Rights “Freedom Riders” who 50 years ago were arrested in Jackson, Missisippi for “breach of peace.” The “breach” in question was to ride a bus from Nashville to Jackson in a racially-integrated group – conforming with federal laws and common sense by today’s thinking, but defying longstanding segregation practices in the South – defiance that was often met with violence.

International Club photos by Stephen Harvey

GROSSMONT COLLEGE — The International Club, according to its website (www.grossmont.edu/internationalclub), aims to “promote friendship and understanding among students from different cultures.” Further, among their goals is “to provide a more enjoyable stay for International Students, but our membership includes both American and International Students.” In the last months of 2010, Grossmont College photographer Stephen Harvey joined the Club on some of its outings.

International Club BBQ, 2010

International Club BBQ, 2010