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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University of Georgia students are seen entering and leaving the main Library on the Athens campus on Monday, Sept. 8, 2025. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez