Interview Snippets

Mike talks about how he met Martin Luther King, Jr. when he helped get him to come speak at the local Berkeley, CA YMCA in 1955 when King was still relatively unknown.

Mike recalls being fired from his job for being a "Little Alinsky." At that time, Mike did not know who the famous community organizer, Saul Alinsky. Later that year in 1962, Mike recounts meeting Alinsky who he closely followed for many years later.

Mike recalls the turning-point Peg Leg Bates meeting in 1966 when SNCC debated whether to retain whites in the organization. He also recalls what Fannie Lou Hamer said to him on that day. This clip shows the relationship everyone in the Committee had towards one another.

Chude Allen recalls her 6 year old little brother's suprising realization that she is leaving to join the freedom movement and the danger that it could cause in affecting her life. He questions her parents about the threat that segregationalists would want to harm her or kill her and that she might not come back. When returning home to her parents, her two younger brothers never bothered to question if she was scared or not, and she nor her parents went into the details initially of her involvement when having discussions about it.

Chude Allen talks about how growing up Christian with religious morals has been an important encouragement throughout her journey to be apart of the SNCC. Underlining the philosophy of non-violence and God's love inside each individual, she acknowledges the power that religion has had in her life. Her desire to connect with victims that need healing from the depravity of racism through the belief of a God or spiritual higher being is an important focal point of her decision to accompany the Movement.

Chude Allen discusses the importance of mass meetings and social events regarding her assistance in the freedom movement with her fellow civil rights activists when attending Spellman College. A collective group relating and building each other up in numbers is always more affective than being singled out and doing it by oneself. Gathering together and singing freedom songs was portrayed to be a wonderful support method in helping one another move forward, correct, and relieve the pressure of past racial occurrences. In addition, it soothes their mental state with the presence of a mutually shared positive energy.

Reverend Gleason reflects on the Selma to Montgomery march and how far they walked. He said Dr. King said it was the most violent march he’s been a part of.

Reverend Gleason talks about meeting Malcolm X for the first time after a debate Malcolm X hosted. He also talks about his close relationship with brother Malcolm.

Reverend Gleason talks about his most memorable moments with Dr. King. He talks about trying alcohol for the first time with Dr. King. Also he talks about being in the room with Dr. King right before his “I Have a Dream” speech.

Reverend Gleason reflects on his first experience getting on the bus, how he got involved in the Freedom Riders, and how he got arrested in Mississippi.