RTA plans celebrations for Black History Month

For Immediate Release

MEDIA CONTACT:  Jessica Olson (937) 425-8352, Communications Manager

(DAYTON, OHIO) … The Greater Dayton RTA is celebrating Black History Month this February to honor the African American men and women who have played significant roles in shaping our nation’s history. Celebrations involving buses, the Wright Stop Plaza transit center, and social media will run Feb. 1-29.

RTA customers have a chance to ride a February “calendar” bus all month long, which features artwork on the outside of the bus celebrating holidays and community events. “February Black History Month” is prominently displayed on both sides of the bus, which rotates between routes daily. In addition, on the interior of the bus are 10 profiles of African Americans in Transportation. These profiles highlight African Americans who made a significant contribution to the transportation industry, such as Charles Brooks, who designed and patented the street sweeper in 1896, and Garrett Augustus Morgan, who invented the traffic signal in 1923. While all 10 profiles will be displayed on the February bus, an assortment of them will be displayed on every fixed-route bus for the entirety of the month as well. The RTA will share these profiles via social media throughout February.

The RTA is also honoring civil rights icon Rosa Parks by reserving a seat in her name at the front of all fixed-route buses Feb. 1 – 29. Mrs. Parks became an international symbol for civil disobedience and resistance to racial segregation, dedicating her life to the cause of civil rights. As the poster in her reserved seat states, her quiet strength made a seat available for everyone. The RTA would ask that passengers respect the sign reserving her seat, and also honor Mrs. Parks during Black History Month by choosing another place to sit in the interim.

Mrs. Parks is also being honored in the Wright Stop Plaza transit center the week of Feb. 3-7. A large banner will be on display in the main concourse in celebration of her birthday, which was Feb. 4.

For more information on the Greater Dayton RTA, click here.