Freedom Riders Activist

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) —  The Columbus Lowndes Library had a very special speaker this evening, Hezekiah Watkins.

Watkins came to share his experience of what took place in the 60s.

At the age of 13, Watkins was arrested at a greyhound bus terminal for wanting to see a freedom rider up close.

After his arrest, Watkins was placed on death row for his support of the freedom riders.

From his experience he became an activist, and encourages us to do the same.

Watkins goes on to say, “That you can make a difference. You don’t have to be a Martin Luther King.  Just be yourself and set out to make a difference in your community.”

Dr.Luckett of Jackson State University accompanied Watkins. Luckett showed clips of the movie Freedom Riders and lead a discussion about the film.