Learn to Protest Peacefully & Lawfully
Exercise Your First Amendment Rights & Discover the Principles of Nonviolent Engagement

Charles Person
September 27, 1942 - January 8, 2025
At 18, Charles became the youngest of the original 13 Freedom Riders. Selected by the Congress of Racial Equality (C.O.R.E.), Charles was trained in the nonviolent principles of peaceful demonstrations. He later remarked, “Mahatma Gandhi perfected the principles; Martin Luther King, Jr. immortalized them.”
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Law Enforcement
Provides historical and cultural context for managing public order during civil disobedience. Teaches de-escalation tactics and civil rights history, key to reducing tensions, property damage, and police overtime costs.

Court Ordered
Provides remedial training for arrested demonstrators in alternative sentencing, to teach law-abiding, nonviolent resistance and First Amendment rights. This course reduces court caseloads, saves taxpayer dollars, and promotes justice reform.

Academic Institutions
Instructs students on their rights during Constitutionally protected lawful protests. This course teaches nonviolent Civil Rights Movement strategies for legal demonstrations to exercise First Amendment rights.
An education on nonviolent and
law-abiding resistance
First Amendment advocacy. Cost savings. De-escalation tactics.
Courses
Nori Leybengrub, Barnard College, Columbia University Student
"I first encountered FRTA on a civil rights trip across the South at the site of the Greyhound Bus Burning in Anniston, AL. Charles Person’s message—rooted in the civil rights movement and the power of protest to strengthen justice and community—deeply resonated with me. For years, I met weekly with Mr. Person and others, listening to his reflections on nonviolent resistance and his unwavering commitment to service despite the hate he faced. As inspired by his legacy, FRTA and its team are engaging people in understanding the role of protest in justice and social and structural change."
Theresa Shadrix, Ed.S., Education Specialist
"The Freedom Riders Training Academy is an excellent supplemental resource for students, helping them understand their constitutional rights and the significance of nonviolent resistance as led by civil rights movement activists. It encourages civic responsibility and empowers young people to engage thoughtfully in and outside the classroom, applying what they've learned."
Brad Bishop, Judge, City of Hoover
"After agreement from the city prosecutor, the demonstrators' defense attorney, and our court director, I approved the Freedom Riders Training Academy program for arrested demonstrators in Hoover as alternative sentencing. I view the training as a constructive program that strengthens community engagement and lowers recidivism as we've experienced no repeat offenders."
Chief of Police Nick Derzis endorses the Freedom Riders Training Academy.
"Nonviolent protests and advocacy...have often been at the core of change for our society for the better". Freedom Riders Training Academy Course Used as Alternative Sentencing for 100 Arrested Protestors, Represented by Civil Rights Attorney Richard Rice
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