Contact: Kevin Elwood
Phone: 336-412-6309

GTA Takes to the Streets December 1 with Rosa Parks Bus Tour

GREENSBORO, NC -- (November 30, 2009) -- On Tuesday, December 1, Greensboro Transit Authority (GTA) honors the Montgomery, Alabama seamstress who refused to give up her seat on a city bus with the Rosa Parks Bus Tour. GTA joins public transportation providers nationally by educating students on that pivotal event in the civil rights movement more than 50 years ago.

A special GTA transit bus will visit four Greensboro middle schools where students will learn of the heroic actions of Congressional Gold Medal winner Rosa Parks and the nation's subsequent freedoms enjoyed today because of her refusal to give up her seat on a bus. Students will hear from the City's Public Transportation Manager Elizabeth James who will share the Parks' story, while also touching on the benefits of public transportation in Greensboro. In addition, GTA staff will visit with riders at the J. Douglas Galyon Depot transit center to distribute commemorative Rosa Parks buttons marking the occasion.

“In the strides that we have seen as of late in our country, we must take great care not to lose sight of those moments that made them possible,” says James. “We are now in a period where the City of Greensboro has seen its first African-American Mayor, Chief of Police, City Manager, and of course nationally, first African-American President of the United States. None of this would be possible without the selfless actions of others at strategic points in our history, such as in front of the Woolworth’s counter or on that Montgomery transit bus.”

Area media representatives are invited to join the bus tour. For an itinerary of times and locations, call Kevin Elwood at 336-412-6309.

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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 2,700 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.