Metro News Release

For immediate release: December 1, 2005

Rosa Parks Metrobus dedicated on National Transit Tribute to Rosa Parks Day

Metro dedicated a 1957 historic Metrobus to the life and legacy of Rosa Parks today as part of a national tribute to the icon whose refusal to give up her seat on a <" xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Montgomery, AL, city bus, sparked the civil rights movement.

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The Rosa Parks Metrobus features a decal on the exterior of the bus that pictures Parks seated and an inscription that reads: "It All Started on a Bus; Rosa Parks; 1913-2005; The Mother of the Civil Rights Movement." Inside the bus, there is a silhouetted image of Parks on a window and a plaque above it that reads: "The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority dedicates this bus to the life and legacy of Rosa Parks, 1913-2005, the Mother of the Civil Rights Movement on the Fiftieth Anniversary of her act of defiance that changed the course of history and inspired us all."

 

"It was 50 years ago today that Mrs. Parks’ brave act of civil disobedience set in motion a series of events that continue to benefit the nation today," said Metro Board Member Gladys Mack. "Today we honor Mrs. Rosa Parks and all those who stood with her in their determination to protest the injustices they experienced for far too long."

 

The American Public Transportation Association has declared December 1 a National Transit Tribute to Rosa Parks Day.

 

In addition to dedicating the Rosa Parks Metrobus, Metrobus riders will hear the following announcement throughout the day: "Today, Metro joins with transit providers throughout the nation in observing ’A National Transit Tribute to Rosa Parks Day.’ December first marks the 50th anniversary of the 1955 bus boycott that Rosa Parks began in Montgomery, Alabama. We hope all Metro customers will join us in celebrating the day and observing the legacy of Rosa Parks."

 

The 1957 Rosa Parks Metrobus will be on display in front of the Metro headquarters building until 3 p.m. today. The historic bus was most recently used during the Washington region’s tribute to Rosa Parks after her death. It also has been driven in the past three presidential inauguration parades and other special events throughout the region.

News release issued on December 1, 2005.