This Bus Will Not Run

Rosa Parks Day

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December 3rd, 2005 12:01 AM

From: Tulip
To: contributions@michaelmoore.com
Subject: one person can change things
Date: Fri, 2 Dec 2005 08:12:51

Dear Mr. Moore:

When my son was 6 years old, I received a phone call from a well meaning neighbor that they had just gotten permission for a new school bus route that did not go through the Black area. If I didn't want my son on the old route, I should immediately call to have him switched or he would be the only "White kid," on the bus. This call left me sick. I flashed back to when I was a child and watched Black parents in the South put their children on integrated school buses. I watched their courage. I watched the hoses of water, the dogs etc. I couldn't bear it. It was my turn now. I called the school. The principal there was a young man. I told him if he let this (new) bus come through, I would call all the newspapers, as well as the TV stations. I would not let this happen quietly. He told me there was nothing he could do. I had to call the director of bus transportation. I did.

I was very nervous and very upset. Did I now have to put my 6 year old on the line? I made the call and the director took my call. I introduced myself and told him how I felt and that I was not going to let this happen. His response astounded me. He said, "Thank You. I only needed one parent to contest. The bus will not run." I thanked him and hung up the phone. The next morning, the regular bus came through and picked up my son. This did not happen 50 years ago. This happened 20 years ago. I grew up in the sixties, when we really believed we could make a difference. I know I made a difference then. I tell this story often to my children, friends, anyone who will listen. Not because I want cuddos, but because each one of us has a choice at sometime to make a difference.

Thank you for listening.

Marcelle S.