How to ride on the bus, circa 1956

By BILL DURYEA

© St. Petersburg Times, published January 15, 2001

From a document called "Integrated Bus Suggestions," written by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Glenn Smiley.

More than six years before his famous "I Have a Dream" speech in Washington, D.C., King addressed the members of the Montgomery Improvement Association in Montgomery, Ala. The occasion was a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court on Dec. 17, 1956, that ordered the integration of Montgomery's public buses. The ruling effectively put an end to the yearlong bus boycott that had begun with Rosa Parks' refusal to give up her seat to a white man.

Once the ruling arrived by mail in Montgomery three days later, King called two mass meetings of the association to prepare for the following morning when the protesters would return to the buses.

-- BILL DURYEA, Times staff writer

This is a historic week because segregation on buses has now been declared unconstitutional. Within a few days the Supreme Court mandate will reach Montgomery and you will be boarding integrated buses. This places upon us all a tremendous responsibility of maintaining, in the face of what could be some unpleasantness, a calm and loving dignity befitting good citizens and members of our Race. If there is violence in word or deed it must not be our people who commit it.

For your help and convenience the following suggestions are made. Will you read, study and memorize them so that our non-violent determination may not be endangered? First, some general suggestions:

1. Not all white people are opposed to integrated buses. Accept goodwill on the part of many.

2. The whole bus is now for the use of all people. Take a vacant seat.

3. Pray for guidance and commit yourself to complete non-violence in word and action as you enter the bus.

4. Demonstrate the calm dignity of our Montgomery people in your actions.

5. In all things observe ordinary rules of courtesy and good behavior.

6. Remember that this is not a victory for Negroes alone, but for all Montgomery and the South. Do not boast! Do not brag!

7. Be quiet, but friendly; proud, but not arrogant; joyous, but not boisterous.

8. Be loving enough to absorb evil and understanding enough to turn an enemy into a friend.

Now for some specific suggestions:

1. The bus driver is in charge of the bus and has been instructed to obey the law. Assume that he will cooperate in helping you occupy any vacant seat.

2. Do not deliberately sit by a white person, unless there is no other seat.

3. In sitting down by a person, white or colored, say "May I" or "Pardon me" as you sit. This is common courtesy.

4. If cursed, do not curse back. If pushed, do not push back. If struck, do not strike back, but evidence love and goodwill at all times.

5. In case of an incident, talk as little as possible, and always in a quiet tone. Do not get up from your seat! Report all serious incidents to the bus driver.

6. For the first few days try to get on the bus with a friend in whose non-violence you have confidence. You can uphold one another by a glance or a prayer.

7. If another person is being molested, do not arise to go to his defense, but pray for the oppressor and use moral and spiritual force to carry on the struggle for justice.

8. According to your own ability and personality, do not be afraid to experiment with new and creative techniques for achieving reconciliation and social change.

9. If you cannot take it, walk for another week or two. We have confidence in our people. God bless you all.

Source: The Martin Luther King Jr. Papers Project at Stanford University.

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