“Integrated Bus Suggestions” (flyer), December 19, 1956

Black Montgomerians succeeded in their boycott. As their case moved through the federal courts, finally reaching the Supreme Court, the verdict announced two years previously in the Brown v. Board of Education decision of 1954 found application to the Montgomery bus system. “Separate but equal” was dead; therefore, segregation on the city buses was unconstitutional, and on December 21, 1956, blacks in Montgomery returned to the buses. Shortly before the end of the boycott, the following public statement was circulated to the entire black community, urging calm, dignity, and restraint as the era of the integration of buses began. Black residents, by all accounts, followed these injunctions, but whites in Montgomery attacked black bus riders, bombed black homes, and harassed black passengers in numerous other ways. The era of “separate but equal” may have been over in Montgomery’s buses, but the era of “massive resistance” had begun.

Integrated Bus Suggestions

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 re-boarding integrated buses. This places upon us all a tremendous responsibility of maintaining, in 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 a 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 glance or 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 forces 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 feel you cannot take it, walk for another week or two. We have confidence in our people.

GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

THE MONTGOMERY IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION

The Rev. M. L. King, Jr., President

The Rev. W. J. Powell, Secretary

Source: Inez Jessie Baskin Papers. Used by permission of the Alabama Department of Archives and History.

Evaluating the Evidence

  1. Question

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  2. Question

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