Bill 118 HRES 144, also known as the "Recognizing and celebrating the 70th anniversary of the 1953 Baton Rouge Bus Boycott," is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress to honor and commemorate the historic event that took place in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 1953.
The Baton Rouge Bus Boycott was a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement, predating the more well-known Montgomery Bus Boycott by two years. The boycott was sparked by the arrest of a young Black woman named Sarah Keys, who refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on a segregated bus. This act of resistance led to a coordinated boycott of the city's bus system by the Black community, demanding an end to segregation and discrimination on public transportation.
The boycott lasted for eight days and was ultimately successful in achieving its goal of desegregating the bus system in Baton Rouge. The courage and determination of the participants in the boycott inspired similar actions in other cities across the South and played a significant role in the larger struggle for civil rights in the United States.
The legislation aims to recognize and celebrate the 70th anniversary of this important event in American history, highlighting the bravery and resilience of those who participated in the boycott. By acknowledging the significance of the Baton Rouge Bus Boycott, the bill seeks to educate the public about this lesser-known but impactful moment in the fight for equality and justice.
Overall, Bill 118 HRES 144 serves as a tribute to the individuals who took a stand against segregation and discrimination, and as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for civil rights and social justice in the United States.