Walter Bergman dedicated his life to fighting for civil liberties and equality for all. His desire to fight for the fair treatment of others most likely stems from when he was drafted into the Army during World War I. It was the pain and devastation he saw in Germany that led Bergman to becoming pacifist. (2)

This pacifist path often placed Bergman on the front lines of dangerous situations, just as it did on May 14, 1961 in Anniston. However, Bergman took many bold actions prior to his support of the Freedom Riders. Here are just some of Bergman’s noteworthy stances and courageous choices that led him to the Trailways Bus Station in 1961: 

• Bergman founded both the Michigan chapter of the A.C.L.U. (American Civil Liberties Union) and the Michigan Federation of Teachers. (2)
• During World War II, Bergman received conscientious objector status. Yet, he ultimately enlisted in the effort, seeing it as a moral war against Hitler’s Crimes Against Humanity. At the war’s conclusion, Bergman stayed in Germany to work with the United Nations in helping refugees. (2)
• Bergman was an educator by trade. After WWII he returned to teaching in Detroit where he later became the first caucasian to join a black Unitarian church. After joining the church, Bergman went on to form a pacifist American Legion post. (2)

Ultimately, when the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) began its Freedom Rides, Bergman also joined in on this effort for equality. He and his first wife, Frances, were two of three whites in the first group of 14 to travel to the South. (2) Both Bergman, now Dr. Bergman after having received his doctorate prior to joining the Freedom Rides, and his wife were severely beaten that day in Anniston. 

However, Dr. Bergman went on to sue the F.B.I., after learning the bureau had knowledge of the impending attacks by the KKK, yet did nothing to prevent them or to protect the Freedom Riders. Two decades after the savage attack, Dr. Bergman won his suit in 1983, but he received only $35,000 of the $2 Million that he sought. All of the court case proceeds were donated to the A.C.L.U. (2)

Years after he was beaten by the KKK, Dr. Bergman returned to the Anniston Trailways Bus Station. Upon arriving, he saw four nail holes that were previously used to hold the segregating drinking fountain signs. ”I had a part in pulling out those nails,” he said. (2) Dr. Bergman lived to be 100 years old prior to his passing in Grand Rapids, Michigan.