Contact: Libby James, Public Transportation Manager
Greensboro Transit Authority 
(336) 373-2820

Greensboro Transit Authority Celebrates Rosa Parks Day on December 1

GREENSBORO – On Friday, December 1, Greensboro Transit Authority (GTA) will join public transportation providers around the country in celebration of Rosa Parks Day.  It was 51 years ago tomorrow that the unknown seamstress from Montgomery, Alabama performed an act of courage on public transportation that became a catalyst for the modern day civil rights movement.  Her refusal to give up a seat on Montgomery city bus #2857 defied the city code requiring separation of races, and her subsequent arrest triggered the start of the bus boycott and the struggle for equal rights.

"It was very appropriate on that Thursday evening in 1955, public transportation became a focal point of the battle for civil rights," said Libby James, Public Transportation Manager for GTA. "Municipal transit systems were heavily utilized in the 1950’s by citizens of all races.  In many places unfortunately, their operations mirrored community attitudes and even municipal laws with a virtual dividing line in the bus aisle separating the races.  But Mrs. Parks’ standing up…or rather, sitting down focused the attention of the nation on equal rights of all Americans."

GTA patrons will be able to honor Mrs. Parks with commemorative bus passes that will be available beginning Friday at GTA fare card sales outlets.  The fare cards feature several notable images from the era including the Congressional Medal of Honor awarded in 1999 for her act of courage.  In addition, buttons will be distributed by GTA staff at the J. Douglas Galyon Depot Friday for riders to reflect upon the legacy of Mrs. Parks.  Also on this day, all GTA, HEAT and SCAT vehicles will burn their headlights in her honor. 

The Greensboro Department of Transportation (GDOT) seeks to increase public safety and mobility through the effective planning and delivery of transportation services and operation of municipal transit.  For more information about GDOT, contact us at (336) 373-GDOT (4368) or visit www.greensboro-nc.gov/gdot

The City of Greensboro works in partnership with the community to build an increased quality of life for all residents by fostering an environment where inclusion, diversity, and trust are valued.  As the seventh largest employer in Greensboro, the City has a dedicated professional staff of 2700 employees who maintain four core values of honesty, integrity, stewardship, and respect.  The City of Greensboro is governed by a council-manager form of government where a mayor and eight council members act as the legislative body.  For more information on the City of Greensboro, please visit us online at www.greensboro-nc.gov

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