MILWAUKEE – It was Dec. 1, 1955 when Rosa Parks courageously refused to give up her bus seat to a white man, setting in motion a Supreme Court ruling that outlawed segregation on public transportation.
More than 64 years later, the Milwaukee County Transit System is honoring her contribution by keeping one seat open on every bus in its fleet for three days.
From Dec. 1 to Dec. 3, each reserved seat will include a red rose and a special placard featuring Parks’ photo and a message about her courageous act.
“Rosa Parks was a trailblazer who was guided by the North Stars of equality, justice and compassion to make our country better and stronger,” said Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele in a statement.
“As we commemorate Rosa Parks on our buses, we must remember our own obligations to carry her legacy forward and correct the historical and present injustices in Milwaukee County. All of us have a responsibility to honor the work of our civil rights leaders, and to do our part to continue, grow and advance our efforts to achieve racial equity and make Milwaukee the healthiest county in Wisconsin.”
Parks became a central figure in the civil rights movement for her courageous act in Montgomery, Alabama. Parks later moved to Detroit to continue her work, briefly for longtime U.S. Rep. John Conyers.
She died in Detroit on Oct. 24, 2005 at the age of 92. Tributes to Parks can be seen throughout Michigan.
“By refusing to give into racism and oppression, Rosa Parks demonstrated bravery that continues to inspire us more than six decades later,” said Nicole M. Brookshire, Executive Director of the Milwaukee County Office on African American Affairs.
“This tribute serves as a reminder, to the progress made and also the critical work of driving racial equity to confront institutional and systemic racism across Milwaukee County and in the region.”
This is the fourth year that MCTS has organized an on-board tribute to Parks. The annual effort has gained widespread attention on social media and inspired transit agencies across the country to implement similar initiatives.
“Every year, we receive an outpouring of support and positive feedback about this important tribute,” said Donna Brown-Martin, Director of the Milwaukee County Department of Transportation.
“This is a unique opportunity for our bus riders, employees, leaders and other community members to come together to reflect on the past and look ahead to the future.”