Virginia State University to Welcome National Freedom Ride Tour Commemorating 65 Years of Civil Rights History
VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY, VA—October 19, 2026— Virginia State University will welcome The Ride, a national bus tour and feature documentary commemorating the 65th anniversary of the historic 1961 Freedom Rides, on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., on University Ave. The Ride is a 12-day, eight-state journey from Washington, D.C., to New Orleans that retraces the historic route of the original Freedom Riders. The tour brings together original Freedom Riders and their families, faith leaders, civic organizations, artists, and community members to honor the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement while encouraging voter participation ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Historically Black Colleges and Universities are central to the tour, recognizing the significant role HBCU students played in the original Freedom Rides and their continued influence on civic engagement and social progress. The stop at Virginia State University will provide an opportunity to connect the historic legacy of student activism with today's efforts to promote civic responsibility, voter engagement, and democratic participation. Organized as a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) initiative, The Ride will visit 15 cities, highlighting historic churches, civil rights landmarks, HBCUs, and Black-owned businesses. The journey is also being documented in a feature film by filmmaker Sura Mallouh. For more information about The Ride, visit www.theride2026.org.