Phoenix Public Transit Honors Rosa Parks

PHOENIX—The Phoenix Public Transit Department is paying tribute to Rosa Parks, and her part in the struggle against discrimination, on Tuesday, Dec. 1.  But instead of dedicating one bus route to Rosa Parks, as the department has done in past years, the Phoenix Public Transit Department has teamed up with some talented young artists from Cloves C. Campbell Elementary to showcase their artworks honoring Ms. Parks.

On Dec. 1 at 10 a.m., a launch ceremony will be held at Central Station, 300 N. 1st Ave. in downtown Phoenix, to reveal the students’ artworks, which will be on display at Central Station from Dec. 1 to Dec. 4. About 20 students, their principal Marcy Figueroa-Stewart, and art teachers will take part in the mini-celebration.

“We are so proud that these students could join us in honoring Ms. Parks, and her role in the civil rights struggle in the United States.  It is important for all of us to remember that the freedom we have grew out of simple acts, like riding a bus, the kind of things we do every day,” said Cotton.

The art students will present 12 - 22 x 27 artworks using various media, all reflecting the significance of Parks in the Civil Rights Movement. The Rosa Parks celebration recognizes the Montgomery, Alabama seamstress’ refusal to give up her seat on Dec. 1, 1955 to a white passenger.  For refusing to yield her seat, Ms. Parks was arrested, convicted and fined $10, plus $4 in court fees. Her conviction under segregation-era laws led to an organized boycott of the city bus line that lasted 381 days.  The ensuing legal battle eventually made its way to the Supreme Court, where her successful challenge outlawed segregation on buses nationwide.

For more information about this event, please e-mail Yvette Roeder, yvette.roeder@phoenix.gov, or call 602-478-1163. There is no parking allowed at Central Station. Exceptions are made for live media/TV trucks. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/phoenixmetrobus.