Sorry, that seat's taken. Here's how a public transit system is honoring a Black history icon

Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal
·2 min read
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Everyone knows Rosa Parks. The American activist is most recognized for her pivotal role in the civil rights movement, specifically the Montgomery bus boycott. This year, a public transit system is honoring her during Black History Month.

Who is Rosa Parks?

After refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama in 1955, Parks was arrested and placed in custody. She was released on bail later that evening.

Some even refer to her as the “Mother of the Civil Rights Movement,” according to the Academy of Achievement. “This brave woman, Rosa Parks, was arrested and fined for violating a city ordinance, but her lonely act of defiance began a movement that ended legal segregation in America, and made her an inspiration to freedom-loving people everywhere,” according to the website.

The Rosa Parks bus is located at the Henry Ford Museum in Michigan. While the city of Louisville might not have the bus itself, they do have plans in place to honor the beloved activist.

The bus Rosa Parks rode in when she refused to give up her seat to a white rider and helped spark the civil rights movement is shown on display at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Mich., March 23, 2015.
The bus Rosa Parks rode in when she refused to give up her seat to a white rider and helped spark the civil rights movement is shown on display at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Mich., March 23, 2015.

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TARC saving a seat for Rosa Parks

According to the Transit Authority of River City (TARC), the only public transit system in the Louisville-Southern Indiana metro area, a seat will be saved on every TARC bus through February to commemorate Rosa Parks and her contributions in honor of Black History Month. Each seat designated for Parks will have a sign reminding passengers of how she changed history on the Montgomery bus in 1955.

Ozzy Gibson, Interim Executive Director, said it’s a small way to recognize the courage of Rosa Parks. “Rosa Parks’ dedication to freedom, equality, and justice is an example for us all to follow," he said. "I’m proud TARC and public transit agencies from around the country continue to honor a historic moment that all began on a city bus."

Support these Louisville initiatives for Black History Month

Look for QR codes on buses to learn more about the Freedom Riders

TARC is partnering with Louisville Free Public Library to provide QR codes in each bus. The codes will direct passengers to various book collections, including audiobooks, on Rosa Parks and the Freedom Riders.

Lee Burchfield, library director, said the opportunity allows the libraries to further educate about pivotal moments in history.

“Whether we realize it or not, history constantly surrounds us. This small act of keeping a seat saved is a creative way to celebrate the courage of Rosa Parks and inspire others to stand up for what is right,” Burchfield said. “I’m delighted the library can provide an opportunity for people to learn more about this pivotal moment in our history.”

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville remembers Rosa Parks with open bus seats for Black History Month