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Women's Political Council (WPC)
This council was led by Jo Ann Robinson who was an activist, she began planning potential actions against segregation on Montgomery's buses -
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Events before the Boycott
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Catalyst Event
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Claudette Colvin
A 15-year-old black girl, was arrested for refusing to give her seat on the segregated bus. Her case highlighted systemic injustices but not chosen as a test case because of her age and personal reasons. -
Mary Louise Smith
She was arrested for the same reason, this act demonstrated the resistance of the black community to segregation. -
Rosa Parks
Rosa Parks, NAACP secretary, was arrested for refusing to give her seat to a white passenger. Her arrest became pivotal. -
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During the Boycott
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Bus Boycotting
The WPC distributed 35,000 flyers calling for a one-day bus boycott. -
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The ongoing boycott
Community members organized carpools, walked long distances, and supported each other through the boycott. Black taxi's drivers lowered fares to help. -
The start of the Boycott
The boycott began. Rosa Parks was tried and convicted of disorderly conduct and violating segregation laws. This boycott inspired leaders to continue boycotting. The Montgomery improvement Association was formed with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as it's president. -
The bombing of Dr. King's home
Dr. King's home was bombed. No one was injured, but the attack intensified tensions. -
The Arresting of the Leaders
Almost 90 boycott leaders, including Dr. King, were arrested under a law prohibiting boycotts. This brought more attention to the movement. -
After the Boycott
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Unconstitutional Bus Segregation
The U.S Supreme Court made the district court's decision, declaring segregation on public buses unconstitutional. -
Integrated bus services
Bus services became integrated in Montgomery. -
Boycott ended
The boycott officially ended after 381 days, marking a monumental victory for civil rights.