Catherine Burks-Brooks facts for kids

Catherine Burks-Brooks (born October 8, 1939 – died July 3, 2023) was an American activist who worked for equal rights for all people. She was also a teacher, social worker, jewelry seller, and newspaper editor. Catherine is best known for her brave actions during the Freedom Rides.

Early Life and Education

Catherine Burks-Brooks was born on October 8, 1939, near Selma, Alabama. She grew up in Birmingham, Alabama.

She attended Tennessee State University. After college, Catherine became an elementary school teacher in 1964. She also worked as a social worker in Detroit from 1965 to 1966. Later, she started her own business selling African-inspired jewelry and clothes.

Working for Change in Mississippi

Catherine was very involved in the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi. From 1962 to 1963, she helped run a newspaper called the Mississippi Free Press. This newspaper shared important news about the fight for civil rights.

Joining the Freedom Rides

Catherine Burks-Brooks took part in several Freedom Rides. These were journeys by bus through the Southern United States to challenge unfair segregation laws. One of her most notable rides was from Nashville, Tennessee to Montgomery, Alabama, which happened from May 17 to 21, 1961.

Standing Up for Rights

Catherine learned about the Freedom Rides from John Lewis, another important civil rights leader. She had already joined many protests he led. She even went to jail several times in Birmingham before the Freedom Rides began. This shows how dedicated she was to the cause.

On May 18, 1961, during a Freedom Ride, Catherine bravely spoke up to Bull Connor. He was a police chief in Birmingham who supported segregation. He was driving the Freedom Riders back to the Tennessee state line after they had been jailed.

Facing Danger in Montgomery

Two days later, Catherine was caught in a violent riot at the Montgomery Greyhound Bus Station. In the film Freedom Riders, she clearly remembered seeing another Freedom Rider, Jim Zwerg, being attacked.

The next day, Catherine also saw a church surrounded by angry people who supported segregation. This was a very scary time for those fighting for equal rights.

Continuing the Fight

In August 1961, Catherine married Paul Brooks, who was also a Freedom Rider. Together, they continued their work for civil rights. They participated in the movement to help African Americans register to vote in Mississippi. They also continued to co-edit the Mississippi Free Press newspaper.

Later Life and Legacy

In the 1970s, Catherine Burks-Brooks lived in the Bahamas. She moved back to Birmingham, Alabama, in 1979.

From 1982 to 1998, she worked as a sales manager for Avon cosmetics. Later, she became a substitute teacher in Birmingham.

Catherine lived in a suburb near Birmingham, Alabama. She spent her time volunteering and speaking to groups about her experiences in the Freedom Rides. She passed away on July 3, 2023, at the age of 83. Her bravery and dedication helped change America for the better.