The City of Montgomery will observe the 65th anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycott — a key element of the Civil Rights struggle — from Dec. 1 through Dec. 7.
Special events include a scavenger hunt of historic sites, tours of the replica 1955 Montgomery Transit Bus, a unity walk, outdoor events, films and lectures. For a complete schedule, click here.
The array of events has been championed by Mayor Steven Reed, the city’s first Black mayor, along with the city, the county and the Montgomery Improvement Association.
The 382-day boycott is considered among the most powerful elements of the Civil Rights movement. Monthly operating reports show that the bus system experienced a loss of 30,000 to 40,000 daily fares, costing the system $715,786 — worth about $7 million today.
The city’s Black community created innovative alternative transportation such as a “rolling church” taxi system and meal deliveries through Georgia Gilmore’s “club from nowhere.”
“Montgomery has played a pivotal role in America’s history for 200 years, providing inspiration through a culture of change,” says Reed. “For the 65th Anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, we remember the individuals who sacrificed everything to provide future generations a better world. Montgomery continues to influence positive change today, from leading the social justice conversation to creating a new environment to spur economic growth for our business community.”
