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![Robert F Williams Interview with Marc Schleifer - Part 2](images/fileicons/nodigital.png)
Date: 7/4/1962Call Number: RFW 033Format: CDProducers: Marc SchleiferCollection: Robert F. Williams!
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Pacifica Radio—Mark Schleifer Interview—Disk 2
Track 1
Events leading to Williams’ exile
Talks about context in which Freedom Riders came to support their demands in Monroe and the role of non-violent protest in Monroe. He didn’t expect much of the Freedom Riders, because they sometimes made backroom deals and concessions with legislators. Freedom Riders were met with unparalleled aggression by white supremacists, and they were somewhat naïve (white activists who thought the law would be on their side because they were pacifists). The whites in Monroe smiled at them for the first couple days, but later their pickets started to be attacked and tensions grew. They shouldn’t have advertised their non-violent position, because it would invite violence. NAACP pickets weren’t messed with because the members were trained in self-defense.
Track 2 (Freedom Riders cont.)
There was a riot in reaction to the Freedom Rider picket. Cops were taking arms from Blacks and giving them to whites. The City sprayed the picket line with insecticide and passed an ordinance that said that the picketers had to be 15 ft. apart. The cops participated in mob violence against the Freedom Riders and Black Monroe supporters. Blacks coming from other places (church, etc.) were attacked. Freedom Riders and supporters were jailed without medical attention after beatings. Williams threatened an armed march on the jail if the didn’t get medical attention. They ended up getting it. After that, whites started passing by Williams’ house.
Track 3
Account of incidents leading to them leaving Monroe.
Track 4
Discusses indictments of Lowry, Crowder, Reese, Roy, Mallory.
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