Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele, the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) and the Milwaukee County Office on African American Affairs (OAAA) partnered to honor the life of Rosa Parks, and recognize her contribution to the ongoing fight for equality and equity for all.
MCTS is keeping a seat open on every bus in the fleet from Sunday, December 1 through Tuesday, December 3. Each reserved seat will include a red rose and a special placard that features a photo of Parks, with 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 County Executive Abele. “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 was arrested on December 1, 1955, after refusing to give up her seat to a white man in Montgomery, Alabama. Her small act of civil disobedience led to a landmark Supreme Court ruling that outlawed segregation on public transportation.
“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.”
Earlier this year, County Executive Abele and Milwaukee County Supervisor Marcelia Nicholson joined together for the signing of a resolution declaring racism a public health crisis. The resolution built on the County’s efforts to ensure that racial equity is part of the public discourse and the decision-making process.
2019 is the fourth year that MCTS has organized an on-board tribute to Rosa 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.”
Milwaukee County Transit System, Library of Congress, and Lee Matz
