James Zwerg facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Zwerg
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Zwerg c. 1961
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| Born | November 28, 1939 Appleton, Wisconsin, U.S.
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| Alma mater | Beloit College |
| Occupation | Minister |
| Known for | Civil rights activist, Freedom Rider |
| Spouse(s) |
Carrie
(m. 1965) |
| Children | 3 |
James Zwerg, born on November 28, 1939, is an American retired minister. He became well-known for his brave actions during the Freedom Riders movement in the early 1960s. This movement was a key part of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States.
Contents
Early Life and Beliefs
James Zwerg grew up in Appleton, Wisconsin, with his parents and older brother. His father, a dentist, often gave free dental care to people who couldn't afford it. James was very active in school, even taking part in student protests during his high school years.
He was also deeply involved in his Christian church. Through his church, he learned about the idea of civil equality. This teaching emphasized that all people are equal, no matter their race or religion. This belief became very important to him.
College and Student Activism
Zwerg attended Beloit College, where he studied sociology. He graduated in 1962. His interest in civil rights grew stronger because of his roommate, Robert Carter, who was an African-American student from Georgia. Zwerg saw firsthand how people treated Robert unfairly. For example, people would leave tables when they sat down at a lunch counter. He even left a fraternity because his friend wasn't allowed in.
In January 1961, Zwerg spent a semester at Nashville's Fisk University. This was a college mainly for Black students. There, he met John Lewis, a leader in the Civil Rights Movement. Zwerg was very 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 using peaceful protests.
Zwerg joined SNCC and learned about their nonviolence workshops. He often practiced by pretending to be an angry person who was against civil rights. His first real test came when he tried to enter a segregated movie theater with a Black friend on February 21, 1961. He was attacked and knocked unconscious.
The Freedom Rides
In 1961, another group called the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) started organizing the Freedom Rides. The first ride began in Washington, D.C.. It involved 13 Black and white riders who traveled into the Southern states. Their goal was to challenge segregation at lunch counters and restaurants. One of their buses was attacked in Anniston, Alabama.
Meanwhile, at an SNCC meeting in Tennessee, John Lewis, James Zwerg, and 11 other volunteers decided to join the Freedom Rides as reinforcements. Zwerg was the only white male in this new group. Even though he was scared, he never doubted his decision. He felt strongly that he was doing the right thing.
The group traveled by bus to Birmingham. There, Zwerg was arrested for not moving to the back of the bus with his Black seating companion.
The Montgomery Attack
Three days later, the riders continued their journey to Montgomery. When they arrived at the bus station, it was strangely quiet at first. But then, a large crowd attacked the riders from all directions. Zwerg was hit with his own suitcase and knocked to the ground. A group of people beat him badly. Even when he was unconscious, the attack continued.
Despite the brutal beating, Zwerg later recalled an amazing religious experience. He felt a sense of peace and love, believing that God was with him. He said, "I knew in that instance that whether I lived or died, I would be OK."
Zwerg was denied quick medical help because no white ambulances were available. He famously said from his hospital bed, "Segregation must be stopped. It must be broken down. Those of us on the Freedom Ride will continue.... We're dedicated to this, we'll take hitting, we'll take beating. 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." His photos after the attack were published widely, showing the violence of segregation.
Zwerg also remembered a brave Black man who likely saved his life. This man stepped in and told the attackers to beat him instead. The man was still unconscious when Zwerg left the hospital.
Life After the Freedom Rides
Later in 1961, Martin Luther King Jr. honored James Zwerg with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference Freedom Award. After talking with King, Zwerg decided to study at Garrett Theological Seminary to become a minister. There, he met his future wife, Carrie.
Zwerg became a minister and served in three small communities in Wisconsin for five years. In 1970, the Zwergs moved to Tucson, Arizona, and had three children. James Zwerg changed careers several times, working for charity organizations and in community relations at IBM.
He retired in 1993. After retiring, he and Carrie built a cabin in rural New Mexico. James Zwerg continues to share his experiences from the Freedom Rides. He emphasizes the importance of love and understanding. On May 18, 2011, he gave a speech at Troy University Rosa Parks Museum, talking about how the Freedom Rides changed his life. He often expresses how grateful he is to have been part of the Civil Rights Movement. He especially enjoys meeting young people who thank him for his actions.
