Summary of "The Freedom Riders and Me: Barbara Collins Bowie" – The Moth Podcast

Introduction

In the episode titled "The Freedom Riders and Me: Barbara Collins Bowie," featured on August 22, 2017, The Moth presents a poignant and personal narrative that intertwines personal loss with the broader struggle for civil rights in America. Hosted by CJ Hunt, the episode delves into Barbara Collins Bowie's experiences growing up in Jackson, Mississippi, during the Jim Crow era, and how these experiences shaped her understanding of the Civil Rights Movement.

Early Life and Jim Crow in Jackson, Mississippi

Barbara Collins Bowie begins her story by setting the stage of her upbringing in a deeply segregated Jackson, Mississippi. Born in 1947, Barbara was only 13 years old in 1961 when her older brother became actively involved with Martin Luther King Jr. and the Freedom Riders—a group challenging segregation in interstate transportation.

"During Jim Crow in 1961, my brother got involved with Martin Luther King and the civil rights movement, he became a freedom rider." ([02:41])

Despite her young age, Barbara was acutely aware of the injustices around her. She recalls the rigid segregation signs—“colored only” and “whites only”—that dictated every aspect of daily life, from dining to using public restrooms.

Experiences with Segregation and Early Activism

Barbara shares vivid memories of the segregated establishments she frequented. One such memory involves a local restaurant divided into two sections based on race:

"On one side it said colored only, on the other side it said whites only... the white side was big with lots of tables, white tablecloths, and white people were seated and being served dinner. So this was wrong. This was how we were treated." ([03:30])

These experiences instilled in Barbara a sense of injustice and a desire to emulate her brother's activism. Although she was eager to participate, she initially did not fully grasp what being a Freedom Rider entailed.

Personal Story: The Hospital Incident

A turning point in Barbara's understanding of the Civil Rights Movement came through a personal tragedy involving her mother. She recounts a harrowing experience when her mother fell ill and was taken to the hospital:

"I ran up to the hospital, and when I got there, Mama was sitting in the waiting room... she had vomited a wash pan full of blood." ([08:10])

Barbara describes the systemic racism she encountered within the healthcare system. Despite her mother's dire condition, she faced continual barriers to receiving timely medical care:

"The young lady said very rudely, we don't have a bed for your mother... everyone else who needed to see the doctor before your mother." ([10:05])

As hours passed with no improvement, Barbara’s frustration and helplessness culminated when the hospital staff continued to prioritize white patients, ultimately leading to her mother's death:

"The doctor came out and he said, I'm sorry your mother didn't make it. And I just burst into tears." ([14:00])

Realization of the Civil Rights Movement's True Meaning

In the wake of her mother's death, Barbara experienced a profound awakening regarding the significance of the Civil Rights Movement. She connects her personal loss to the broader fight for equality and justice:

"I realized what that civil rights movement was all about. I realized why those Freedom Riders were challenging the colored only White only signs... This movement was about our lives. This movement was about equality. This movement was about our life and death." ([14:17])

This realization underscored for Barbara that the Civil Rights Movement was not just about societal changes but was intrinsically linked to the very survival and dignity of African Americans.

Conclusion and Reflections by CJ Hunt

CJ Hunt wraps up the episode by reflecting on Barbara's story and its contemporary relevance. He emphasizes that segregation is not just a relic of the past but a reminder that the fight for civil rights is ongoing:

"Barbara's story and the recent events in Charlottesville remind us that the struggle for civil rights never ended. That just like Barbara, we all have to keep fighting." ([15:20])

CJ Hunt also shares a personal connection, recalling how Barbara's narrative challenged his perception of segregation as ancient history, highlighting the necessity for continued vigilance and activism to preserve civil rights gains.

Notable Quotes

• Barbara Collins Bowie on understanding segregation:

  "This was wrong. So because when my mother would take us shopping…" ([03:45])

• Barbara Collins Bowie on the essence of the Civil Rights Movement:

  "This movement was about our lives. This movement was about equality. This movement was about our life and death." ([14:17])

Aftermath and Continuing Legacy

Barbara Collins Bowie continues her dedication to civil rights through various roles, including being a licensed vocational nurse, a published poet, and the founder of the Dr. Bowie Foundation Freedom Passing the Torch. Her election as the first black city councilwoman of Kirby, Texas, marks another chapter in her lifelong commitment to justice and equality.

In sharing her story, Barbara aims to remind listeners of the sacrifices made by Freedom Riders and civil rights activists, urging current and future generations to uphold and advance the progress achieved through relentless struggle.

Final Thoughts

"The Freedom Riders and Me: Barbara Collins Bowie" serves as a powerful testament to the enduring impact of the Civil Rights Movement on individual lives. Through Barbara's heartfelt storytelling, listeners gain a deeper appreciation of the personal costs and the collective efforts required to fight for equality and justice. The episode underscores the message that the legacy of the Freedom Riders continues to inspire and necessitate ongoing commitment to civil rights.