Commissioned by the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, Lowell Milken Center for Music of American Jewish Experience.  “Dear Freedom Rider” composed by Diane White-Claytonis a tribute to the valiant Americans who put their lives on the line to confront Southern states’ refusal to honor federal law banning segregation of interstate bus and train terminals in 1961. In honor of the first group of 13 Freedom Riders, the piece is written for 13 singers (but may be sung by larger choir), piano and cello and is based on a “13-tone row” with diverse performers representing the diversity of the Freedom Riders.  
 
See the World Premiere of "Dear Freedom Rider" featuring the composer as conductor & pianist and the UCLA students who wrote the intriguing letters the were used to create the text.  https://youtu.be/KyaMknTL0PY?si=uGeFGUjiIdRCv2vG&t=45