Figures and Sewell demand that Trump Administration remove the Freedom Rides Museum from the list of surplus buildings to be sold

March 6, 2025 - WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Shomari C. Figures (D-AL02) and Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL07) sent a joint letter on Thursday calling for the immediate removal of the Freedom Rides Museum from the U.S. General Services Administration's (GSA) list of properties slated for sale.

"The museum serves as an essential historical landmark that not only honors the legacy of the Freedom Riders but also educates the public about our nation's struggle for equality and justice," Figures and Sewell wrote. "Given its historical and cultural significance, we strongly encourage the GSA to remove the Freedom Rides Museum from the list. It is crucial that we preserve such landmarks, which are integral to understanding our shared history."

In the letter, Figures and Sewell highlighted the historical importance of protecting the museum that honors the individuals who fought for civil rights during the Freedom Rides of 1961.

"On May 20, 1961, the Freedom Riders arrived in Montgomery, where a violent mob, armed and fueled by hatred, attacked them despite promises of protection from local authorities. The students, unarmed and trained in nonviolence, were beaten unconscious, with some seeking refuge in a federal building while others were left stranded. This event, among many others solidified the museum's role as a critical reminder of the Civil Rights Movement and the courageous individuals who risked their lives to challenge segregation."

"The museum serves as an essential historical landmark that not only honors the legacy of the Freedom Riders but also educates the public about our nation's struggle for equality and justice. Given its historical and cultural significance, we strongly encourage the GSA to remove the Freedom Rides Museum from the list. It is crucial that we preserve such landmarks, which are integral to understanding our shared history. Thank you for your attention to this matter."

The list of 443 properties also includes the courthouse buildings in Opelika and Dothan, has since been removed from the website; but questions linger following the list's publication and subsequent disappearance.

On Saturday, Figures and Sewell were joined by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-New York) in a press conference in Montgomery.

"Let me be very clear, Alabama's civil rights victory, America's, civil rights victory, is not for sale," said Sewell. "What happened here at the Montgomery bus station is painful to remember. It is difficult to learn about; but it is an important and necessary reminder that the price of freedom is not free. It was here at this bus station where peaceful protestors, many of them young people, were attacked by a mob simply for trying to engage in their civil rights. Every gain made in the fight for equity has come at a high cost, paid for by the sacrifices of others. In many cases they paid for it with their lives. If we are to avoid repeating this history, we need to remember it, acknowledge this, and preserve if for future generations to learn from."

Figures said that they are going to draft legislation to prevent the sale of historical buildings without the approval of Congress.

"Nearly 64 years ago people almost died here," said Figures. "People were beaten. People were nearly killed simply for riding a bus."

"People recognize the sacrifice, People recognize the importance of this building," said Figures. "If they can get rid of this building what is next? There are several historic civil rights around the country at risk."

"We have to stand up for our history and we have to stand up for this bus station," said Figures.

"I am grateful that they quickly sprung into action to make sure that this incredibly important building, the Freedom Riders Museum is protected from the reckless tyranny of some in Washington to erase our civil rights history," Jeffries said. "

The U.S. General Services Administration said that it is still working on a list of properties that are not essential to the core function of government.

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