James Zwerg facts for kids

James Zwerg (born November 28, 1939) is an American minister who became a hero during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. He was a brave Freedom Rider who stood up against unfair segregation in the American South.

Early Life and Beliefs

James Zwerg was born in Appleton, Wisconsin. He grew up with his parents and older brother, Charles. His father was a dentist who helped people by offering free dental care to those who couldn't afford it.

James was very active in school. He even joined student protests in high school. He also attended a Christian church regularly. Through his church, he learned about civil equality. This idea taught him that all people are equal, no matter their race or religion.

College and Joining SNCC

James Zwerg went to Beloit College to study sociology. He became very interested in civil rights because of his roommate, Robert Carter. Robert was an African-American student from Georgia.

James saw how Robert faced prejudice. He noticed people would leave tables when they sat down at lunch. He also learned his fraternity wouldn't allow Robert in their house. James decided his friendship was more important than the fraternity.

In January 1961, James went to Nashville's Fisk University. This was a mostly black school. There, he met John Lewis, a leader in the Civil Rights Movement. James was impressed by Lewis's dedication.

Lewis was part of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). This was a student group that worked for civil rights. They focused on nonviolent direct action, meaning they protested peacefully. James joined SNCC.

He soon learned about segregation firsthand. When he suggested going to a movie, SNCC members explained that Nashville theaters were segregated. James then joined SNCC's nonviolence workshops. He often practiced by acting like an angry person who was against civil rights.

His first real test came on February 21, 1961. He tried to enter a movie theater with a black man. Someone hit James with a monkey wrench, and he was knocked unconscious.

The Freedom Rides

In 1961, the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) started the Freedom Rides. These rides involved black and white people traveling together on buses into the South. They challenged "white only" lunch counters and restaurants.

The first group faced violence. In Anniston, Alabama, one bus was attacked. Meanwhile, James, John Lewis, and 11 other volunteers decided to help. James was the only white man in this new group. Even though he was scared, he felt it was the right thing to do. He said his faith was very strong during this time.

The group traveled by bus to Birmingham. James was arrested there. He had refused to move to the back of the bus with his black seating companion.

Three days later, the riders continued their journey to Montgomery. When they arrived at the bus station, it was quiet at first. But then, a mob attacked them.

James Zwerg was hit in the face with his own suitcase. He was knocked down, and a group of people beat him. While he was unconscious, three men held him up. A woman then kicked him. After the worst of the attack, James tried to stand up. A white man then threw him over a rail, and he landed on his head.

James later remembered a black man who likely saved his life. This man told the attackers to beat him instead. The man was still unconscious when James left the hospital.

James was denied quick medical help. No white ambulances were available. He later said, "I suppose a person has to be dead before anyone will call an ambulance in Montgomery." He was unconscious for two days and stayed in the hospital for five days.

Photos of James after the beating were in many newspapers. He said he had an amazing religious experience during the attack. He felt a sense of peace and love. He knew he would be okay, no matter what happened.

From his hospital room, James gave a famous speech. He said, "Segregation must be stopped. Those of us on the Freedom Ride will continue.... We're willing to accept death. But we're going to keep coming until we can ride from anywhere in the South to any place else in the South without anybody making any comments, just as American citizens."

Life After the Rides

Later in 1961, Martin Luther King gave James Zwerg the Southern Christian Leadership Conference Freedom Award. After talking with King, James decided to study at Garrett Theological Seminary. There, he met his future wife, Carrie.

James became a minister and served in Wisconsin for five years. In 1970, the Zwergs moved to Tucson, Arizona, and had three children. James changed careers a few times, working for charities and at IBM.

He retired in 1993. James continues to share his experiences from the Freedom Rides. He speaks about the importance of love. In 2011, he gave a speech at Troy University Rosa Parks Museum. He talked about how the Freedom Rides changed his life. He felt blessed to be part of the movement. He especially loved when children came up to him to thank him for what he did.