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70th Anniversary of Montgomery Bus Boycott

A week of events planned to mark 70th anniversary of Montgomery Bus Boycott

As the 70th anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycott approaches, Montgomery is preparing to honor the courage, unity and leadership that sparked a global movement for equality and justice.

The celebration from Nov. 29 to Dec. 6 will offer a series of programs, performances and gatherings that pay tribute to the legacy of Rosa Parks and thousands of others who changed history through peaceful protest.

“This commemoration reminds us that Montgomery’s legacy is not just in history books — it lives in our streets, churches and people today,” said Mayor Steven Reed. “Together, we honor those who stood up for justice and continue their work toward unity and equality.”

Six of the events are being organized by the Southern Youth Leadership Development Institute.

"That's ambitious, isn't it?" said Doris Crenshaw, the group's founder and CEO, who hopes guests feel a new sense of unity in efforts to protect human rights around the world. She'd especially like to engage young people.

"I think we want to inspire people to really take in the spirit of the Montgomery Bus Boycott," Crenshaw said.

The Montgomery Bus Boycott began Dec. 5, 1955, after the arrest of Parks, a 42-year-old seamstress and civil rights activist. She was a passenger on a segregated city bus who refused to give her seat to a White passenger. This grew into a 381-day protest led by Martin Luther King Jr. and thousands of Montgomery residents, where an estimated 40,000 Black residents refused to ride buses. It ended shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that segregation on the buses was unconstitutional.

Youth Leadership Brunch

  • When: Nov. 29, 10 a.m.
  • Where: St. Paul A.M.E. Church, 706 E. Patton Ave.
  • Details: This gathering celebrates emerging youth voices who embody the spirit of leadership and service rooted in the movement.
  • Where: Churches across Montgomery

 

 

 

 

  • Unity Walk for Peace & Justice
    • Dec. 1,  Begins 5:30 p.m. at Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, 454 Dexter Ave. At 6:06 p.m.,
    • churches and houses of worship nationwide will participate in the Worldwide Tolling of the Bells to honor Rosa Parks’ arrest and the movement it inspired.
    • At 7 p.m. the Ecumenical Convocation & Awards Presentation happens at St. Paul A.M.E. Church, 706 E Patton Ave., featuring keynote
  • Details: Churches will simultaneously share a 4- to 5-minute trailer of "382: The Montgomery Bus Boycott Documentary" and reflect on the movement’s lessons of faith and unity.

 

382: A Citywide Moment of Reflection

  • When: Sunday, Nov. 30
  • speaker LaTosha Brown, founder of Black Lives Matter. Powerful music, prayers for peace, and the presentation of the Rosa Parks Courage Awards. This event is free and open to the public. 

 

Free admission at the Rosa Parks Museum

  • When: Dec. 1–5
  • Where: Rosa Parks Museum, 252 Montgomery St.
  • Details: In partnership with Troy University, the museum invites the public to experience the history of the boycott free of charge throughout the week.

 

Women in History Panel Discussion

  • When: Dec. 3 — refreshments 6 p.m., event stars 7 p.m.
  • Where: Rosa Parks Museum, 252 Montgomery St.
  • Details: Evening discussion presented by the Montgomery Housing Authority and the Rosa Parks Museum celebrating the women who shaped the Civil Rights Movement.

 

Film premiere: 'The Skin You’re In'

  • When: Dec. 4. Doors open 6 p.m., event starts a 6:30 p.m.
  • Where: Montgomery Performing Arts Centre, 201 Tallapoosa St.
  • Details: A new film exploring health inequities, race, identity, and resilience, followed by a community conversation. After the screening, there will be a Q&A session featuring writer and executive producer Thomas LaVeist, along with two men from the film who share their personal stories.   Register: Admission is free. Fill out the ticket form (link is at mpaconline.org) and tickets will be emailed.

 

 

 

Charting Our Future: From Moment to Movement

  • When: Dec. 5, 10 a.m.
  • Where: Holt Street Baptist Church Museum, 903 S. Holt St., Montgomery
  • Info: A historic intergenerational and interfaith conversation, led by nationally acclaimed journalist Roland Martin and key civil rights voices, focused on how we continue the unfinished work for justice and equity in our communities today. Seating is first-come, first-served.

 

Mass meeting: 'Where Do We Go From Here?'

  • When: Dec. 5, 5:30 p.m.
  • Where: Holt Street Baptist Church (Court Street location — 1870 S. Court St.)
  • Details: Featuring Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, Illinois, as keynote speaker, this reimagined mass meeting pays tribute to the spirit of 1955 with music, poetry, and a community call to action. Free and open to the public.

 

Interfaith Service

  • When: Dec. 6, 8 a.m.
  • Where: Mt. Zion A.M.E. Zion Church, 455 W. Fred D. Gray Ave., Montgomery
  • Info: Before the Rosa Parks & Ella Baker Youth Call to Action Summit begins, join Summit attendees and faith and civil rights leaders at Mount Zion A.M.E. Zion Church for a grounding moment of prayer and fellowship as we prepare for the work ahead.
  • Register: syldi.org/service

 

Rosa Parks & Ella Baker Youth Call to Action Summit

  • When: Dec. 6, 10 a.m.
  • Where: Rosa Parks Museum, 252 Montgomery St.
  • Details: A full-day summit empowering youth ages 12–20 to lead with purpose and passion. The day begins with an opening interfaith service at Mt. Zion A.M.E. Zion Church Memorial Annex, followed by interactive workshops, leadership sessions, and community action projects at the Rosa Parks Museum. This program inspires the next generation to carry forward the legacy of Rosa Parks and Ella Baker through civic engagement and social justice.
  • Register: Free, but registration is encouraged. syldi.org/youthsummit

Rosa L. Parks Gala & Awards Program

  • When: Dec. 6, 7 p.m.
  • Where: Elevation Convening Center & Hotel, 600 Montgomery St.
  • Details: A ticketed black-tie celebration honoring civil rights heroes, organizations, and modern champions of equity.
  • Tickets: $250 and available to purchase at syldi.org/gala