AIKEN, S.C. (WJBF) – The Center for African American History Arts and Culture in Aiken is spreading the awareness of Transit Equity Day, a holiday put in place because of Rosa Parks.
Just days away from Parks’ birthday, many across the CSRA are remembering her bravery.
She refused to give up her seat on the front of a bus in Montgomery, Alabama in 1955. This would become the start of Transit Equity Day years later.
Rev. Brendolyn Jenkins- Boseman with Hudson Memorial CME Church said, “When we talk about Rosa Parks, we generally talk about the bus rides and her sitting down and her now continuing to stand, but there’s a mantra that says she sat down so that we could stand up.”
The Center for African American History Arts and Culture in Aiken held a panel Thursday evening with city leaders and local activists.
They talked about the legacy of Parks, and how transit equity plays a major role in public transportation today.
“Public transportation is an issue that’s not just poor persons transportation, but it gives people an option to take public transportation… but it’s also is a health issue,” explained Christopher Hall, the founder of Sustainable CSRA.