Freedom Ride: A freedom rider remembers

by Ann Curthoys

One warm midnight in 1965, 29 students from Sydney University set out on a road trip through north western New South Wales. Ann Curthoys, the author of this book, was one of the passengers.This was no ordinary trip and it became known as the 'Freedom Ride'. Its purpose was to challenge the ingrained discrimination and racism that was a largely unacknowledged feature of NSW country towns.The trip was marked by repeated confrontation, intense street debates, some physical violence, much courage from the local Aboriginal people, and growing media coverage. By its end, the students' leader, Charles Perkins, was recognised around the country as a new-style fighter for Aboriginal rights.Drawing on a diary of her days on the bus, supplemented by interviews with fellow passengers and much research in the archives and the newspapers of the day, Ann Curthoys tells the story of a road journey full of incident; a journey whose impact can still be felt today. The voices of the participants, including the voices of those town dwellers, both black and white, who met the bus and had to cope with the consequences, add a special poignancy to her reflections on the aftermath of 14 extraordinary days and nights.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Australia, Politics

459 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2002

Reviews

[libby · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was amazing for last minute tweaks to my research assignment god bless this book

[Lia Perkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m glad I read this. It began with a comprehensive overview of politics in the early 60s, then traced the journey of the original freedom ride and all of the debates, criticism and varied perspectives on the ride. It spent a lot of time assessing reflection and impact of the freedom ride. For me, it was particularly interesting what the response of the Aus National Union of Students was, and Charles Perkins’ view on how it impacted the 1967 referendum. These were only small parts but I find them personally poignant.

[Jennifer Rolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book captured time and place so well.

[Brad]

An interesting look into what was happening during the 1960s. The ride went around some of NSW to show discrimination against Aboriginal people and there was plenty to be found especially when several towns became very hostile like Walgett and Moree. Ann Curthoys was present on the ride and did mention the conditions on the reserves, missions and shanty towns where Aboriginals lived. They were in 3rd world conditions with no electricity or even running water. The ride bought the issues relating to Aboriginal people to the forefront of the world stage and within Australia as well. Well worth the read. A good books

[Velvetink]

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[Craig Werner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written by a participant turned historian, Freedom Ride tells the story of a bus journey by about 30 Australian students seeking, successfully, to dramatize the treatment of Aborigines in New South Wales. Lots of details concerning the admniistration and participants as well as the key events involving the desegregation of veterans clubs and swimming pools. A largely forgotten, interesting part of the larger Sixties story.

[Anchal Bhatia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very informative read, as I don't know much about Australian History in general. Regardless, I was not a fan of the format and was not as engrossed as I wish I was.