-
1900-1920
Segregation for all Southern Public Transportation, including busses, for African Americans -
Morgan vs Virigina
Supreme Court declared that segregation on interstate public transportation was unconstitutional. -
1947 First Freedom Rider Protest
The first bus protests were organized by the Congress for Racial Equality and Fellowship of Reconciliation to test the Court decision. The rides were mostly in the upper south to avoid areas of deep separation and racism. -
Claudette Calvin
Claudette Calvin was 15 years old when she was arrested for not giving up her seat on a bus in Birmingham Alabama. She was not considered a great role model for the movement because of her age and because she was pregnant. -
Rosa Parks
In December of 1955, Rosa Parks refused to move for White passengers when the bus driver demanded. This led to the Montgomery Bus Boycott, making Ms. Parks the face of the civil rights movement. -
Boynton vs Virginia
This Supreme Court decision declared that segregation for facilities for interstate travel was unconstitutional. -
John Lewis / Bernard Layafyette
John Lewis and Bernard Layafyette went to test Boynton vs. Virginia by riding in "White Only" areas of busses and in terminals. -
May 1960 - Freedom Riders leave Washington DC
Black and White protesters, known as The Freedom Riders, left Washington DC to New Orleans to protest segregation in public transportation. They were met with counter protests and violence. They forged on to show Americans in their homes on television helping to turn the tide of Civil Rights.