MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee County Transit System has announced a new scholarship in honor of Rosa Parks, and students can apply now.
Every year, MCTS honors Rosa Parks by keeping one seat open on every bus from Dec. 1 through Dec. 3. However, this year, they're doing even more.
They have introduced a scholarship that will award three winners with $1,000.
Any high school senior who is planning on attending a trade school, college, or university can apply by submitting a short essay inspired by Parks’ quote, “Each person must live their life as a model for others.”
The applications are due Jan. 8 and the winners will be announced on Parks' birthday, Feb. 4. To apply, click here.
“Even though she is no longer with us, Rosa Parks’ legacy continues to inspire us at Milwaukee County as we move forward on the path to achieve racial equity,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. “We have a responsibility to honor the giants whose shoulders we stand upon today and never forget the acts they took to make this country a more perfect union."
Parks was arrested on Dec. 1, 1955, after refusing to give up her seat on a bus to a white man in Montgomery, Alabama. This act led to a landmark Supreme Court ruling that outlawed segregation on public transportation.
In 2019, Milwaukee County declared racism a public health crisis and was the first jurisdiction in the nation to do so. Since then, more than 80 communities have followed suit.
