Write two to three sentences describing how the author helps readers connect to the people and events of the past. During the 15 minutes after the bus arrived, racists assaulted not only freedom riders but also other passengers both black and white who happened to be on the same bus, as well as bystanders waiting in the station to welcome their friends and family to Birmingham. The assailant also went after local white reporters, destroying cameras, film, and a microphone. Right on schedule, a detective announced, "your fifteen minutes is up...the police are coming." The attacker slipped away. When Connor was asked why it took so long for his men to drive the four blocks from the police station to the bus station, he explained that they were all at home celebrating Mother's Day.