1. The Montgomery Bus Boycott September 8, 2005

2. Setting for the Boycott • Occurred in Montgomery, Alabama 1955 • Racism and segregation were causing tensions to grow further between blacks and whites during this period • Followed Brown Decision of 1954 that stated separate schools for separate races was inherently unequal • Helped lay foundation for Civil Rights Movement

3. Unfair Transportation Practices • Black passengers filled bus from back • Driving staff abused black passengers verbally & physically • Blacks were last to leave the bus

4. Taking Action • Rosa Parks, member of NAACP, refused to give up her seat to a white passenger • Martin Luther King Jr. led 381 day boycott of Montgomery buses • Black community formed network of carpools and informal taxi services • Community leaders organized group called Montgomery Improvement Association

5. Outcome of the Boycott • Ended December 21, 1956 • U.S. Supreme Court ruled segregated bus system was unconstitutional • Violence still continued • Boycott marked success for African Americans and King at a national level • Non-violent resistance

6. Important Contributions • The boycott wasn’t all Rosa Parks • Jo Ann Robinson and Women’s Political Council promoted voter registration and activism among women • Everyday working people made huge sacrifices

7. Works Cited • http://pbsvideodb.pbs.org/resources/eyes/primary/doc8.html • http://www.alabamamoments.state.al.us/sec55.html • “The Montgomery Bus Boycott and the Advancement of Social Justice: Seeking The Beloved Community.” The Journal of African American History, 2004, Vol. 89, pg:404.