75 Years Later: The Proof That One Really Believes Is in Action

Renee A. Price – Democratic Nominee for NC House District 50

On June 17, 2022, in a Special Court Session in the Old Courthouse of Hillsborough, NC, Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Allen Baddour vacated or dismissed the charges against four members of the Journey of Reconciliation of 1947. My statement during that session is below.

75 Years Later

In the words of Bayard Rustin, “The proof that one really believes is in action.

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Seventy-five years ago, a Black gay man, a Jewish gay man, an astute Black man, and a socialist white man proved that they believed in freedom and justice, when they took action and sat together in the front of a bus. They were refusing to acquiesce to discrimination, segregation, racism, and bigotry.

As a result, they were arrested in Chapel Hill and convicted in this courthouse for violating Jim Crow laws. They were arrested and convicted for violating laws that were, in fact, a violation to humanity, a violation to human dignity, and a violation to freedom and justice for all.

Today, we are acknowledging that the charges by the Chapel Hill Police were wrong, that the sentencing by an Orange County judge to the chain gangs was unjustified, and that the Jim Crow laws in effect at that time were a disgrace.

Seventy-five years later, we are heralding the truth that the participants in the Journey of Reconciliation were right. I personally am thankful to Bayard Rustin, Igal Roodenko, Andrew Johnson, and Joseph Felmet for their sacrifices, and America should be thankful.

Their Journey of Reconciliation was more than a precursor to the Freedom Rides of the 1960s. That journey was part of a continuum of the struggle for freedom and equality that began in 1619—by, for and with the people of the African diaspora.

Their journey and their sacrifices are part of the foundation upon which we stand, because the struggle among Black people in America seeking true liberation and opportunity persists, even now, in the 21st century. In 2022, we still are traveling a journey of reconciliation as we the people—of every culture, ethnicity, race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, creed, belief and ability continue to demand and fight for our inherent rights.

So, how did we arrive at this special court session? Last year as this community was celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Freedom Rides, I inquired and learned that the charges against the earlier challengers of segregated interstate travel were still “on the books.” Judge Allen Baddour handled the legal research and proposed a form of legal redress that would result in justice without erasing history. We concurred that a Motion for Appropriate Relief for each of the wrongfully convicted civil rights activists, would be the course of action.

At this time, I would like to acknowledge Judge Baddour for taking a stand for justice. We also extend our appreciation to Orange County staff for their assistance in coordinating this special court session, as well as to the speakers, and you, in this courtroom and on zoom, for your participation in this historic moment. To the family members of Johnson, Felmet, Rustin and Roodenko, who are here both in person and online, thank you for furthering the cause of civil rights and for joining us today.

We are here, 75 years later, to address an injustice, and henceforth, to correct the narrative regarding the Journey of Reconciliation and that segment of American history.

Selecting June 17th as the date for this court session was intentional, noting that it is the eve of a weekend of celebration for Juneteenth, Freedom Day. The court action this afternoon will remove another shackle of bondage from our minds, so that we may rejoice more fully in our freedom.

The events of 1947 happened for a reason. We therefore must remember, embrace and sustain the legacy of these civil rights activists and social justice advocates by our own actions.

I will close my remarks with a quotation from Mr. Rustin, which I hope you will take to heart: “We need in every community a group of angelic troublemakers.”

HAPPY JUNETEENTH

Renee A. Price
Democratic Nominee for NC House District 50