Charles Person, Original Freedom Rider and Dedicated U.S. Marine, Dies at 82

By Barnett Wright | The Birmingham Times Charles Person, a pivotal figure in the Civil Rights Movement as the youngest of the original Freedom Riders, and a dedicated U.S. Marine, passed away peacefully on Jan. 8 at his home in Fayetteville, Georgia. He was 82. One of the original 13 Freedom Riders, Person and his fellow Riders were brutally beaten on Mother’s Day, May 14, 1961, at the downtown Birmingham Greyhound terminal by a mob of Klansman while the police watched. After that day, Person continued to work on various Civil Rights and justice initiatives and would play a role in the creation of the Freedom Riders National Monument in 2017. “Charles was not only my life partner but a tireless advocate for justice and equality,” said his wife, Jo Etta Person, according to bhamnow.com. “His passion for nonviolence, peace, and education touched countless lives. Although he is no longer with us, his legacy lives on through the Freedom Riders Training Academy and the lasting change he inspired.” Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin called Person “a giant in the Civil Rights movement.” “I join the City of Birmingham in mourning the passing of my Morehouse brother Charles Person … His dedication...