The lasting legacy of Tallahassee’s bus boycotts – Famuan

Nearly 70 years ago, events will be held that have been cemented in the historical history of Talahassi and were a brilliant example of the mass organizing efforts of civil rights movement.

A few short months after Rosa’s historic refusal to give up his seat in Montgomery, Alabama, the actions of two brave Famu students will start a vortex in the South Talahasi, which will eventually lead to the bus system.

On May 26, 1956, two students from Famu, Wilhelmina Jeks and Carrie Patterson sat in a section of the bus marked “only white”, which according to The The FSU History DepartmentThere were only two vacancies.

Despite this fact, the two students were asked to give up their seats and after their refusal, Florida He states: “… the driver got into a service station and called the police.” Jakes and Patterson eventually receive accusations of “placing them able to stimulate a rebellion.”

CK Steele, a local pastor at Bethel Baptist Church, will meet with both students, showing his support. Then Steel serves as a pastor at the local Baptist Bethel. Steel was very implemented and active in many communities from the south.

The Institute of King of Stanford He says: “Steele begins to preach at a young age of 15. He was ordained Minister of the Baptist in 1935, and three years later he won his bachelor’s degree from Morehouse College. “

Steel was also a local representative of the National Association for the Progress of Colorful People (NAACP). After his support for the two students, a cross will be burned on the front of his church.

According to FSU History DepartmentThe news of the burn will be spread to Famu students who have decided to refrain from riding city buses until the semester is over.

While the boycotting process has dialed, CK Steele forms between the Civil Council (ICC) to help organize the boycott process. Florida He states that the boycotters face difficulties. Most protesters did not own cars, so they had to find another way to start working while boycotting buses.

Even after organizing cars, they continued to face discrimination and opposition; thehe FSU History Department He recounts that several members will be arrested and charged with managing taxis without license.

ICC Steele and Speed ​​leaders have paid over $ 11,000 on bail and buses will continue. The boycott hit the city hard as the bus system relies on revenue generated by black passengers.

“The cities of transit tried to compromise. They offered to hire African-American drivers on the Famu and Frenchtown routes. ” Florida States.

On December 22, 1956, the US Supreme Court ruled that the segregation of city buses was unconstitutional.

Today, the boycott is remembered with kindness. With the central center of the Talahassi bus system, called the Steele- CK Steele Bus Plaza, the Civil Rights Civil Rights Monument in the center of Talahassi pays tribute to the boycott, and to Florida’s legacy in the Famo campus that distinguishes the courage of Wilhelmin Jakes and Carrie Patterson.

The boycott’s legacy lives strongly in the capital of Florida, and the rights used today by many are due to the hard work and courage of civil rights leaders.