Freedom Rider Visits Countryside High on Tuesday

A man who helped integrate America's public transportation system will spend four days traveling to Pinellas County schools talking to students about his experiences.

Freedom Rider Dr. Ernest 'Rip' Patton will talk to students at at least 12 schools throughout the county from Sept. 18 to 21.

"In June, funded by the Teaching American History grant, 29 Pinellas County teachers retraced part of the route of the 1961 Freedom Riders, visiting museums and historical sites and meeting with many Riders, attorneys, and journalists," according to a release from Pinellas County Schools.

Rip Patton’s Visitation Schedule:

Tuesday, Sept. 18:                                                                                      

10 a.m. at Palm Harbor Middle

1 p.m. at Countryside High School

3 p.m. at Tarpons Springs Middle

Wednesday, Sept. 19:

8 a.m. at Largo High

9:30 a.m. at Largo Middle

11:30 am. at Bayside High 

From 7 to 9 p.m. at Greater Ridgecrest YMCA, 1801 119th St. N, Largo

Thursday, Sept. 20:

9 a.m. at Thurgood Marshall

11:30 a.m. at Boca Ciega High

2:30 p.m. at Bay Point Middle School

From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Mt. Zion AME Church, 1045 16th St S, St. Petersburg

Friday, Sept. 21:

8 a.m. at Lakewood High

10 a.m. at Gibbs High

1:30 p.m. at James B. Sanderlin Elementary

3 p.m. at John Hopkins Middle