civil-rights activists

Jailed civil-rights activists photos offer a glimpse into history
By Sherri Williams
April 9, 2010 - 7:43pm
More than 300 civil-rights activists were arrested in Jackson, Miss., in 1961 for defying segregation. Their mug shots, including Syracuse resident Rev. LeRoy Wright, were on display at the ArtRage gallery.

The Rev. LeRoy Glenn Wright was too determined to fight racism in Mississippi to be afraid of it when he boarded a bus in 1961 at age 19 to challenge racist Jim Crow laws in the state. 

“I was young. At 19 you’re young and foolish,” said Wright who has lived in Syracuse for 47 years. “You think you’re invincible. I don’t think I had any fear at that time.”

Wright, 68, was among more than 300 Freedom Riders arrested and convicted on a breach of peace charge in Jackson, Miss. for defying segregation.