Dec. 12, 1961 - Two hundred and sixty-seven young Negroes were arrested while marching and singing through downtown Albany, Ga., today. They were charged with disorderly conduct, obstructing traffic, and failing to obey an officer as they paraded in support of 11 Freedom Riders who went on trial in City Court this morning. Most were high school and college students. Bond on the charges was set at $200, but only a few were released. Many said they intended to stay in jail until called to trial. The demonstrators arrived at City Hall at 10 a.m. They began marching around the block, chanting and singing, “We Want Freedom” and “We Are Not Afraid.” As they started around the block the third time, the police began herding them into a large yard behind the City Hall and police station, declaring the entire group under arrest. A crowd of about 100 white persons gathered as the marchers wound around the block and looked on as the arrests were made. Police Chief Laurie Pritchett said the Negroes were being housed in the city jail, the county jail, and a county work farm outside the city.
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