ANNISTON, Ala. (WIAT) -- The small town of Anniston played a big role in the civil rights movement. The town made national headlines in 1961 when a bus carrying freedom riders was attacked and burned.
In an “In Your Neighborhood” special report, CBS 42 is looking into how Anniston is using its past to shape its future. Historic downtown Anniston is home to thriving businesses and rich history. Residents here remember the past -- all of it.
“During the '60s when I came along, that’s when everything was segregated," said General Jackson, an Anniston resident. "Everything was white and black."
Jackson is well known in Anniston. He remembers the town much different than it is today.
“White school, Black school," Jackson said. "White church, Black church."
In 1961, Anniston made national headlines when a mob burned a bus carrying freedom riders who were advocating for racial equality.
“The bus couldn’t go any further," Jackson said. "They were pulled over, and they were mobbed by the Klansman."
In the six decades since the attack, Anniston has grown. Just feet from the bus station where the freedom riders took off from, mother and daughter duo Cornechia Arnold and Brittney Ammons have opened a rolled ice cream store.
“Pulling up in the morning and see people looking at the museum, you can’t help but to have chills,” Arnold said. “One of the reasons I came back was to help make change."
Arnold is at the forefront of the change she came back to Anniston to make. A Black-owned business wouldn’t have been possible in the area 60 years ago.
“We think about it all the time," Ammons said. "That was a big reason why we chose this spot because it is right there."
The town has come a long way in 60 years, but residents know there’s still room for growth.
“There's some big differences," Jackson said. "But let’s not be misled. Racism still stands today.”
The National Park Service is working to revamp the Anniston freedom rider’s national monument. Residents said they are excited to be able to visit and learn more about the town's history.