Local bus segregation

Date and country of first publication

2005
United states

Definition

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Local bus segregation refers to the practice of separating individuals based on their race or ethnicity while traveling on public buses within a specific locality. It was prevalent in many parts of the world, particularly in the United States during the era of racial segregation.

In the United States, local bus segregation was a significant issue in the southern states during the Jim Crow era, which lasted from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century. Black passengers were required to sit in the back of the bus or in designated areas, while white passengers sat in the front. This practice was enforced by discriminatory laws and regulations, commonly known as "Jim Crow laws," which mandated racial segregation in various public facilities, including buses.

The most notable incident related to local bus segregation was the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which occurred in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955-1956. The boycott was triggered by the arrest of Rosa Parks, an African American woman who refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on a city bus. This boycott, led by civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr., lasted for over a year and played a crucial role in challenging and ultimately dismantling local bus segregation in Montgomery.

Local bus segregation was also prevalent in other parts of the world, including South Africa during the era of Apartheid. In South Africa, the government enforced strict racial segregation on public transportation, with separate buses for different racial groups.

Today, local bus segregation is illegal and considered a violation of civil rights in most countries. The struggles against segregation and the civil rights movement have played a pivotal role in dismantling these discriminatory practices and promoting equal rights for all citizens.

Further reading

Coleman C.; Nee L.D.; Rubinowitz L.S. (2005) "Social movements and social change litigation: Synergy in the montgomery bus protest", Law and Social Inquiry, 30(4), pp. 663-737. Blackwell Publishing Inc.. DOI: [htttp://doi.org/10.1086/500178 10.1086/500178]