Gordon Carey facts for kids

Gordon Ray Carey (born January 7, 1932 – died November 27, 2021) was an American activist who worked for civil rights. He was also known as a Freedom Rider.

Life and Activism

Gordon Carey was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan. His father was a minister and believed in peace. He was also active in a group called the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE). This group worked to end unfair treatment based on race.

When he was young, Gordon Carey chose not to join the military because of his beliefs. This is called being a conscientious objector. He later studied at Pasadena City College.

Fighting for Equality

Gordon Carey became an important part of the Civil Rights Movement. This movement worked to gain equal rights for all people, especially African Americans, in the United States.

He took part in "sit-ins" at lunch counters. These were places where Black people were not allowed to sit and eat. During a sit-in, Black and white activists would sit together at these counters. They would stay there until they were served or arrested. This was a way to protest unfair rules.

Carey also taught many people about "civil disobedience." This means peacefully refusing to obey unfair laws as a way to protest. He helped hundreds of people learn how to do this safely and effectively.

The Freedom Rides

Gordon Carey helped create the idea for the Freedom Rides. These were special trips where groups of Black and white activists rode buses together. They traveled across different states. Their goal was to show that segregation on public transportation was still happening.

Segregation meant keeping Black and white people separate. In 1960, the U.S. Supreme Court had ruled that segregation was not allowed on public transportation. But many places still ignored this rule. The Freedom Riders wanted to make sure this law was followed everywhere. Their brave actions helped bring attention to the fight for equal rights.

In the 1970s, Gordon Carey also worked on a project called "Soul City." This was an attempt to build a community where people of all races could live together peacefully. However, the project was not successful in the end.

Family Life

Gordon Carey married Betye Boyd in 1959. They had two children, Kristina and Anthony. Later, they divorced. He then married Karen Wilken in 1974. They had a daughter named Ramona.

Gordon Carey passed away on November 27, 2021, in Arlington County, Virginia.