Fifty years ago today, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Ala., bus, sending a message against discrimination that still evokes strong emotion from many.
With Parks’ passing in October, the anniversary has gained even more recognition.
Lane Transit District, as well as many other transit organizations across the country, will celebrate Parks’ statement today by proclaiming Dec. 1, 2005 as “A National Transit Tribute to Rosa Parks.”
LTD will reserve a seat on each bus for Parks, right before the rear exit on the left. Each seat will have a laminated sheet of paper with a picture of Parks and the statement “On this date in 1955 she changed the course of history and inspired us all.”
LTD worked with the local National Association for the Advancement of Colored People office and the Eugene Human Rights Commission to develop the event. Elizabeth Aydelott,the Human Rights Commission’s representative to LTD for the event, said the overcrowding on some LTD buses was a concern for those planning the event. Still, she believes that may add to the power of the statement.
“If one extra person has to stand up, that’s significant in itself,” Aydelott said. “For other people to give up a seat for her is a sign of respect.”
LTD will also give a free day pass to anyone who donates a canned food item to FOOD for Lane County.
“It’s so we can contribute something back to the community in Rosa Parks’ name,” LTD Marketing Representative Angie Sifuentez said.
Canned food donations can be brought to the LTD Customer Service Center at 11th Avenue and Willamette Street, or the Springfield Station at Fourth Avenue and South A Street. Donators can receive the day pass or a $1-off coupon for either Bean Buzz at the Customer Service Center or the Springfield Station Burrito Boy.
LTD Graphic Artist Hannah Bradford has given presentations at local elementary and middle schools on Parks’ life and achievements, and then encouraged the children to draw pictures. LTD has taken the pictures and made a Rosa Parks quilt, which will be displayed at the Customer Service Center.
-Chris Hagan