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James Farmer, Civil Rights Leader, Convicted of Breach of Peace in Mississippi

Jan. 24, 1962 - The national director of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) was convicted of breach of peace in Jackson, Miss., today stemming from a freedom ride last May. A 12-man jury in Hinds County Court deliberated less than 5 minutes before convicting James Farmer. Judge Russel Moore sentenced Mr. Farmer to 4 months in prison and fined him $200. Mr. Farmer has been free under $500 appeal bond. Mr. Farmer was aboard a bus carrying Freedom Riders that arrived in Jackson May 24. About 75 policemen were in and around the station. He was arrested by Capt. J.L. Ray after he refused to leave the waiting room used by whites. Since the Farmer incident, more than 300 other Riders have been arrested and convicted in county court.

© 2024 by Joe Rubenstein

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