Rolling through history: a mobile tribute to Rosa Parks and the Civil Rights Movement

In honor of the 70th anniversary year of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, CATA gave one of its older buses a new purpose as a rolling tribute to Rosa Parks and the Civil Rights Movement. Wrapped to resemble the original Montgomery City Lines bus preserved at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, the vehicle connects the community to one of the most pivotal moments in American history. 

CATA collaborated with The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation to ensure historical accuracy and partnered with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan to promote awareness and appreciation of the Civil Rights Movement. The bus officially debuted on Rosa Parks’ birthday, Feb. 4, 2026, recognized nationally as Transit Equity Day. 

Inside, visitors can explore transit cards highlighting Rosa Parks’ life and key milestones in the Civil Rights Movement. The tribute bus has since appeared at community events and area schools, creating opportunities for learning and reflection. When not being used for special events, the bus operates on regular fixed routes, bringing its message of courage, equality and opportunity directly into the community.

Visit the Rosa Parks Tribute Webpage, for more information and a closer look at the tribute bus.