As the country reckons with racial disparities and other inequities, the USA TODAY Network talked to civil rights veterans about their experiences 60 years ago to fight against similar issues and how they forced change. To better understand this era of American history and where the nation could be headed, our journalists interviewed dozens of civil rights veterans, historians and other witnesses. They reviewed public documents, including arrest records, and traveled with historians and former activists to the sites of some of the most groundbreaking revolts of 1961. Many veterans still bear mental and physical scars from their time on the frontlines. All said they would do it again. Read more about “Seven Days of 1961” at sevendaysof1961.usatoday.com. #sevendaysof1961