CBC Chairman G. K. Butterfield Participates in Celebration Marking 60th Anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycott

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressional Black Caucus Chairman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) will participate in celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycott in Montgomery, Alabama. The event will also pay a special tribute to Rosa Parks.

“On December 1, we recognized one of the critical turning points of the Civil Rights Movement: the 60th anniversary of the day Rosa Parks forever changed history when she refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery city bus in 1955.  The action of one person served as the catalyst for a nation eager to act.  The Montgomery Bus Boycott, which followed, lasted 381 days and resulted in the U.S. Supreme Court ordering Montgomery to integrate its bus system.  It was a moment in history that solidified the power of African Americans to organize and mobilize.

“In light of recent events and the challenges facing the African American community – from excessive police brutality and the shooting of young black men, to persistent poverty that continues to plague our community – the time to act is now and the boycott of 1955 should serve as a reminder to all Americans, particularly African Americans, to be vocal and take a stand on the issues that impact our communities the most.

“Let’s use the 60th anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycott as a clarion call that our work is not yet done and to reaffirm that the efforts of remarkable individuals like Rosa Parks are not forgotten.”