Bus segregation

Date and country of first publication

2005
United States

Definition

Bus segregation refers to the practice of segregating people based on their race or ethnicity on buses. This discriminatory practice was prevalent in many parts of the world, particularly during the era of racial segregation in the United States from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century.

In the United States, bus segregation was a prominent feature of the Jim Crow era, which enforced racial segregation through various laws and practices. African Americans were forced to sit at the back of the bus, while white passengers were seated in the front. This segregation was upheld by laws known as "Jim Crow laws," which mandated separate seating areas for different races on public transportation.

One of the most well-known incidents related to bus segregation was the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which took place in Montgomery, Alabama in 1955-1956. This boycott was initiated after Rosa Parks, an African American woman, refused to give up her seat to a white passenger. This act of civil disobedience ultimately led to the end of bus segregation in Montgomery.

Bus segregation was also prevalent in other countries with histories of racial discrimination, such as South Africa during the apartheid era. During this time, people of different races were required to use separate buses, with designated areas for different racial groups.

However, the Civil Rights Movement in the United States and similar movements in other countries fought against these discriminatory practices. Legal and social reforms led to the end of bus segregation, ensuring equal access to public transportation for all individuals, regardless of their race or ethnicity.

Notes

At its current state, this definition has been generated by a Large Language Model (LLM) so far without review by an independent researcher or a member of the curating team of segregation experts that keep the Segregation Wiki online. While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its reliability, completeness and timeliness. Please use this content with caution and verify information as needed. Also, feel free to improve on the definition as you see fit, including the use of references and other informational resources. We value your input in enhancing the quality and accuracy of the definitions of segregation forms collectively offered in the Segregation Wiki ©.

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: 10.1086/500178

Kuby C.R. (2013) "Evoking emotions and unpacking layered histories through young children's illustrations of racial bus segregation", Journal of Early Childhood Literacy, 13(2), pp. 271-300. . DOI: 10.1177/1468798411433364