When the Montgomery bus boycott was underway, navigating the city became even more difficult for thousands of our people. But being at the mercy of a racist transit system wasn't an option. This genius carpooling network helped outsmart the system.
Initially, Black taxi organizers matched the 10-cent bus fare to drive people around town. When city officials forced them to raise prices, protestors retaliated by creating a private carpooling network that served 17,000 Black riders.
This elaborate carpool system boasted a fleet of 15 station wagons donated by Black churches. A Black farmer rented his lot at a discount, so the cars had a safe parking spot. There was a private dispatch system, and when insurance companies refused to insure the cars, Black agents found a way to offer coverage. It was a genuine community effort built and sustained by everyone.
Many women worked tirelessly as chefs, using money from food sales to pay for gas and car maintenance. They opened their homes to visiting activists and drove others to work. Their sweetest revenge was selling pies and cakes to white customers who had no idea their money was helping fund the boycott.
We've always had the tools and resourcefulness to make change happen for ourselves. Let's remember that and keep strategizing our way to liberation together.