JAMES FARMER, co-founder of CORE, the Congress On Racial Equality and its National Director from 1961-1966. CORE was one of the Civil Rights groups of the 1960's which followed Gandhi's principles of non-violent resistance. CORE also helped organize the Freedom Rides -- multi-racial busloads of people travelling through the southern states making sure the Supreme Court's decisions on desegratiton were being enforced. FARMER's long life as an advocate of civil rights was detailed in in his autobiography, "Lay Bare the Heart" (Dutton). This interview was originally broadcast in 1985. BERNICE JOHNSON REAGON has sung freedom songs at civil rights marches and sit-ins, at organizing rallies, and in prison. She was a founding member of the Freedom Singers, who were affiliated with SNCC, the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. She's also a founder of the a cappella group "Sweet Honey in the Rock", which sings freedom songs, spirituals, and new songs that add to those traditions. She's currently the Host of NPR's African-American music program, "Wade in the Water". This interview was originally broadcast in 1988.
Copyright 1994 Fresh Air