Honoring Rosa Parks

In honor of Rosa Parks and her legacy, the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS), WI, has been reserving a seat on every bus in its fleet Dec. 1–3. Each reserved seat features a red rose and a commemorative placard with Parks’ photo. The sign reads, “On the anniversary of her courageous act, MCTS salutes Rosa Parks, Claudette Colvin, and all who made a seat available for everyone.”

In addition to the bus tribute, MCTS encourages Milwaukee County high school seniors planning to attend a trade school, college, or university to apply for the annual Rosa Parks Tribute Scholarship. Applicants are invited to submit a brief essay inspired by Parks’ words: “Each person must live their life as a model for others.” Winning students will each receive a $1,000 scholarship toward their educational pursuits.

“With this tribute, we aim to honor the strength and legacy of Rosa Parks and others who stood against injustice, paving the way for equality in public transportation and beyond,” said Julie Esch, MCTS interim managing director. “We hope this annual recognition and scholarship inspire the next generation to lead with courage and purpose.”

Knoxville Area Transit (KAT), TN, honored Parks by reserving a seat on its buses Dec. 1. Each seat displayed a placard commemorating Parks’ courage and her role in transforming the civil rights landscape of the U.S.

Parks’ act of defiance sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a 381-day protest of the city’s transit system by African Americans that ultimately led to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that segregation on public buses was unconstitutional.

“Rosa Parks’ decision to remain seated changed the course of history and serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one person can make in the pursuit of justice,” said Isaac Thorne, director of transit for the City of Knoxville. “At KAT, we honor her legacy by committing to equity, diversity, and inclusion.”