As we celebrate Black History Month, we are frequently reminded of the important role that transportation plays in supporting and sustaining communities of color in today's complex landscape. In celebration of Black History Month, the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) has planned several activities to celebrate Black History Month.
All HART fixed route buses will have a seat designated for Rosa Parks, a pioneer in the Civil Rights Movement. Parks, the "Mother of the Civil Rights Movement," will be honored by HART in this fitting tribute by designating a seat on every HART bus. Each of these special seat covers will have a commemorative sign displayed on them, honoring both Parks' legacy and her dedication to the Civil Rights Movement.
More than 180 HART buses will have a seat designated for Rosa Parks. A sign will remind all passengers of Parks' decision to take a stand simply by taking a seat. Parks' non-violent action on December 1, 1955 led to the Montgomery Bus Boycott that culminated one year later with a U. S. Supreme Court ruling guaranteeing access to public transportation.
"Her actions created millions of opportunities for transit users in Hillsborough County who rely on HART to get to work, to get to school and to create the lives they want. HART makes life happen for many folks," HART Chief Administrative Officer Kenyatta Lee said. "Her decision to keep her seat reminds all of us to focus on the larger issues of equality, opportunity and hope for the future.
In addition, HART has also produced a video — HART Generations of Services. This video features three HART retirees who tell their personal stories about how HART has changed through the years and how HART shaped their lives. The video is being played on the monitors located throughout the agency and it is available on the HART YouTube page.
Also, on February 21, HART will host a reception for our retirees at the Robert W. Saunders Sr. Public Library at 5:00 pm. This is a great opportunity to spend time with some great HART pioneers and see the exhibit displayed in recognition of Black History Month.
