For the eighth consecutive year, Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) will keep a seat open on every bus in the fleet from December 1 through December 3, to honor the life of Rosa Parks and her inspiring stand for justice. Along with Parks, MCTS would like to honor and recognize civil rights leader Claudette Colvin, who was a key player in the civil rights movement in Alabama during the 1950s. Colvin, like Parks, refused to give up her seat on a bus on March 2, 1955.
Each reserved seat will include a red rose and a special placard that features Parks’ photo and a message that states, “On the anniversary of her courageous act, MCTS salutes Rosa Parks, Claudette Colvin, and all who made a seat available for everyone.”
In addition to the bus tribute, MCTS opens applications to its annual scholarship program. High school seniors in Milwaukee County who will attend a trade school, college, or university are invited to submit their application which includes writing a short essay inspired by Parks’ quote, “Each person must live their life as a model for others.” Entries must be submitted by January 6, 2024, to be considered. Three winners, who will each receive $1,000 towards their higher education, will be announced February 4, 2024 on Rosa Parks’ birthday which is also Transit Equity Day. Details about the scholarship can be found at RideMCTS.com/Scholarship.
For more information about MCTS’s community outreach programs, please visit RideMCTS.com/Community.