Civil rights activist to speak at Glen Ellyn library

Glen Ellyn residents will get the chance tonight to hear from a local civil rights activist who lent a hand in making history.

Thomas Armstrong, who participated in the Freedom Riders movement during the 1960s, will speak at 7 p.m. at the Glen Ellyn Public Library, 400 Duane St.

The library is playing host to a traveling exhibit dedicated to the story of the Freedom Riders - black and white activists who protested against segregation by riding buses together and attempting to integrate bus terminal facilities.

The exhibit, which will be on display at the library until April 15, includes photography and news coverage.

Armstrong's appearance is part of the additional programming the library has created with the exhibit.

"I think it's very exciting both for the library and for the Glen Ellyn community to be able to hear from someone who lived through this, who participated in it," Marketing Coordinator Stephanie Blackwell said.

Armstrong said he worked on voter registration as a civil rights activist. His experiences with the Freedom Riders included escorting riders to safety.

"I know so much that they did, that they were responsible for, and (I'm) just happy to have been a part of it," Armstrong said.