Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and County Council Recognize December as ‘Rosa Parks Public Transportation Month’

For Immediate Release: Thursday, November 30, 2023

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and the Montgomery County Council are recognizing the contributions of Civil Right legend Rosa Parks by proclaiming the month of December as “Rosa Parks Public Transportation Month” in the County. The County’s annual celebration of Rosa Parks is designed to recognize her refusal to give up her seat to a white man on a Montgomery, Alabama, bus on Thursday, Dec. 1, 1955, an act that became one of the most pivotal and inspirational events of the Civil Rights movement in the 20th Century.

In commemoration of the 68th anniversary of this historic event, the County Department of Transportation’s (MCDOT) Ride On bus service has installed placards on each County-operated bus that states:

“Rosa Parks: Celebrating a Civil Rights Legend. On Dec. 1, 1955, Rosa Parks’ single act of courage on a public bus in Montgomery Alabama created an unstoppable march toward justice. Her refusal to give up her seat ignited a spark that changed the course of American Civil Rights. Montgomery County Government is committed to making the County more equitable for all its residents.”

“Rosa Parks' brave decision to challenge segregation norms by refusing to relocate to the back of the bus served as a catalyst for the Civil Rights movement,” said County Executive Elrich. “Despite facing arrest, incarceration, job loss and threats of violence, her resolute resistance left an indelible mark on American history. We can take great inspiration from her unyielding commitment to a better world and her unconquerable will to battle injustice for the greater good. She set an example that we all have the power to make change if we stand up for justice and equality.”

The Montgomery County Ride On bus placards are in English and Spanish. They will remain on every bus in a visible location to bus passengers throughout December.

A joint proclamation from the County Executive and the County Council will be presented on Tuesday, Dec. 5. 

“The bus boycott led by Rosa Parks is a cornerstone of the American Civil Rights movement,” said Council President Evan Glass. “As we honor her courageous legacy, we must continue to work towards fully achieving transit equity— from Montgomery, Alabama to Montgomery County, Maryland. Safe, reliable and affordable public transportation is key to breaking down barriers and building economic opportunity for everyone.”

Ms. Parks’ arrest sparked the Dec. 5 boycott of city buses by 42,000 African Americans that brought the City of Montgomery to a standstill, ignited the Civil Rights movement and changed the course of America for millions of disenfranchised people. The Montgomery Bus Boycott lasted 381 days, ending on Dec. 21, 1956, following the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Nov. 13, 1956, that segregation on public city buses was unconstitutional.

County residents are encouraged to remember Rosa Parks' tireless commitment to a better world and her fearless will to battle injustice. Books and other information on Rosa Parks are available through the Montgomery County Public Library System.

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Release ID: 23-528
Media Contact: Jennifer Garfinkel 240-962-1506
Categories: Transportation