On Wednesday, Jan. 18, Freedom Rider Joan C. Browning joined Professor of History Jeff Kolnick and Civil Rights Activist Gary Watson in a panel discussion to continue the series of Martian Luther King Jr. events for the MLK Week of Service and Civic Engagement.

The session began with a video titled “Love and Solidarity: James Lawson & Nonviolence in Search for Workers’ Rights.” This told the story of Rev. James Lawson, who was an influential figure in the Civil Rights Movement.

The video included examples of how nonviolent protests had gained traction and ultimately achieved their goals all over the United States after the 1960s protests. Immediately following the video was a panel discussion with Browning, Kolnick, and Watson.

Browning told of her time as a Freedom Rider in the 1960s as well as the influence major Civil Rights’ leaders had on her including James Lawson and Ella Baker. Browning talked about being a white woman protesting for equal rights, including stories about the protests and where she went to tell her story afterwards.

Watson talked about his personal experiences with racism both during and after the Civil Rights Movement. He gave an example from living in South Carolina at the time, where he was told he would never move up in the company he worked for because he was black. Watson then noted that he had been with that company for 42 years now, becoming a major figure in that company.

Questions from the audience of about 40 people were taken. They ranged everywhere from the personal lives of the panel to how people can combat fear and other oppression in today’s world.

After all the questions were answered, Browning, Kolnick, and Watson thanked the Office of Diversity and Inclusion for putting on the event. They then were open for one-on-one comments or questions by the audience members.