Ep 3. Ain't Scared of Your Jails - 1960-1961

Eyes on the Prize is a documentary television series that tells the story of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. Season 1 episode 3 is titled "Ain't Scared of Your Jails - 1960-1961". This episode portrays the early stages of the civil rights movement where Black Americans fought for their voting rights, confronted oppression, and initiated nonviolent resistance.

The episode starts with the Greensboro sit-ins of 1960, where four African American college students sought to challenge segregation in dining establishments. The sit-ins quickly spread to other places in North Carolina and beyond, leading to mass arrests that generated national attention. The success of the sit-ins captured the hearts of millions of Americans and encouraged other civil rights activists to use nonviolent tactics to challenge segregation.

Moving further, the episode highlights the aftermath of the sit-ins and the emerging leadership that inspired change. Students took to the streets in various towns to protest for their rights, including Diane Nash, John Lewis, and James Bevel. These leaders along with Ella Baker and other activists formed the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) that aimed to create a widespread non-violent campaign against segregation.

The viewers get to witness the organizing power of SNCC in Albany, Georgia. Activists led by Charles Sherrod, and others, implemented a program that challenged segregation in public transportation and public places. Even though the Albany movement was mostly a failure, the activist's idea of strategy and the ability to coalesce black citizens around voting rights were important lessons in the struggle for civil rights.

Also, the episode touches on the brazen violence that Black Americans had to endure. The Freedom Riders were a group of interracial activists that boarded buses to challenge segregation in interstate travel. The episode showcases one such trip in Alabama where the riders were violently attacked by a mob of segregationists, with the police looking the other way. The violence inspired many people around the country to join in the crusade for the right to vote.

Wrapping up the episode, the viewers get a glimpse of the Freedom Rides' impact on President Kennedy’s administration. The Department of Justice persuaded bus companies to desegregate terminals, and the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) prohibited discrimination in buses, trains, and other interstate transportation. The ICC’s decision marked a significant legal victory for the civil rights movement.

Overall, "Ain't Scared of Your Jails - 1960-1961" covers critical moments in the civil rights movement that shaped the future of America. The episode is a powerful reminder of the dedication and sacrifice of many activists and their contribution to shaping America’s future. The episode showcases how Americans of all backgrounds came together to stop injustice and actively promote the country's dream of a society free from discrimination.