WILMINGTON — WAVE Transit is saving a seat for Civil Rights activist Rosa Parks on Feb. 4, her birthday.
One seat at the front of every bus will hold a placard explaining Rosa Parks’ role in ending racial segregation on public transportation.
Following Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her seat to a white man in 1955, the Black community in Montgomery, Alabama boycotted the bus system for more than a year. The bus company in Montgomery was forced to desegregate due to lost revenue.
Shortly thereafter, lawyers from the NAACP successfully argued the unconstitutionality of segregation on buses. On December 21, 1956, Black passengers returned to their bus systems, sitting wherever they chose.
The tribute to Rosa Parks will remain at the front of each bus through the weekend.
Have comments or tips? Email info@portcitydaily.com
Want to read more from PCD? Subscribe now and then sign up for our newsletter, Wilmington Wire, and get the headlines delivered to your inbox every morning.
