StarMetro Offers Free Rides on May 26
Community Observances of Historical Event Taking Place This Week
May 23, 2018
StarMetro, the City of Tallahassee’s mass transit system, will offer fare free bus rides on all its fixed route buses on Saturday, May 26, in honor of the 62nd anniversary of the Tallahassee bus boycott.
In 1956, two Florida A&M University (FAMU) students – Wilhelmina Jakes and Carrie Patterson – sat in the "whites only" section on a bus and refused to move. They were arrested, which led to the Tallahassee Bus Boycott. Through nonviolent protest, boycotters in Tallahassee achieved an important victory in the struggle for civil rights.
“As our community commemorates the Tallahassee bus boycott and the courageous actions of a few, it is more than fitting that we offer free bus rides to everyone,” Mayor Andrew Gillum said. “It’s important that we never forget our past as we work toward creating an even more inclusive future for all.”
StarMetro’s fare-free ride day will cap a series of community commemoration events honoring the anniversary of this historic event. From May 23-26, community partners, including Florida State University and FAMU, will host exhibits, a documentary film viewing, panel discussions and a symbolic walk.
The walk will begin at noon on Friday, May 25, at FAMU’s Grand Ballroom. Walkers will proceed to Under the Over at Lake Anita (under the Bronough Street overpass, adjacent to FAMU Way) to hear messages from local leaders and distinguished guests. The event will also feature live entertainment and refreshments. For more information about all the community events, visit www.neec-inc.org and click on Tallahassee Bus Boycott.
For more information about StarMetro, including route times and maps, visit Talgov.com.
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