To the editor:

Phenomenal! That's the word I describe the art work Christine Depoto created and the vision Andy Tyska had in hiring her, to art-up the neighborhood east of Franklin Court. Also, Ms. Depoto's decision to promote the Freedom Riders was awe inspiring. She was quoted saying, "I was so intrigued by the Freedom Riders because they were everyday people who were able to make real change in this country with perseverance and dedication and working within the law...."

The 13 individuals, who were depicted by Ms. Depoto in the Andy Warhol-style works of art, made a decision in 1961, to drive down South to commemorate the 7th anniversary of the Supreme Court's Brown V. Board of Education decision, which ruled that segregation of the nation's public schools was unconstitutional. When they eventually got close to their destination, they were met with about 200 white people who surrounded their bus causing the driver to continue driving past their intended bus station. The mob followed them and threw a bomb into the bus. After the bus burst into flames, the Freedom Riders escaped only to be beaten by the surrounding mob.

Our society considers paid athletes "heroes" for using their skills in their individual sports. The Freedom Riders are the real heroes and thanks to Ms. Depoto and Andy Tyska, the Freedom Riders will be remembered for their selfless sacrifices and determination to go above and beyond for the basic rights that all people should enjoy.

Gerry Payette
Celia Ct.