In the hot and deadly summer of 1964, the nation could not turn away from Mississippi. Over 10 memorable weeks known as Freedom Summer, more than 700 student volunteers joined with organizers and local African Americans in a historic effort to shatter the foundations of white supremacy in one of the nation's most segregated states -- even in the face of intimidation, physical violence, and death.

To explore a deeper understanding of the participation of Jewish activists in the civil and human rights movement, please view the following resources:

• A reflection from activist, Rita Schwerner Bender whose biography can be found in the Jewish Women Archive .
• Rita Schwerner Bender was a Freedom Summer activist whose husband, Michael Schwerner was one of the three civil rights activists murdered as described in the film. Hear her personal reflection on YouTube.