The Freedom Riders: Journey to Desegregation

One of the original 13 Freedom Riders, Henry “Hank” Thomas had not initially planned to join the first Freedom Ride. He stepped in to replace his roommate, John Moody, who was unable to participate. On May 14, 1961 - 10 days after departing Washington, D.C. - the bus was firebombed by a white mob outside of Anniston, Ala.