Congressman John Lewis and Pauline Knight-Ofosu, who were students at the time, discuss how role-playing in their training sessions prepared them for the danger and hostility that awaited them.

Watch the video above to hear more about the Freedom Riders, the training they had to undergo and the threats they faced.

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Travelers walk around the baggage claim in the South Terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025. Atlanta is among the airports where the FAA will reduce flights due to the shutdown, and airports are facing a shortage of air traffic controllers. 
(Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez