Transit agencies reserve a front seat on buses to honor Rosa Parks
Published by: Laketran
Original article found here
Laketran and Geauga Transit, in partnership with the NAACP of Lake County and Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce, pay tribute to Rosa Parks during Black History Month
Lake/Geauga County, OH – Laketran and Geauga Transit are proud to honor the life and legacy of Rosa Parks through a weeklong tribute recognizing her courage and the lasting impact of her actions on civil rights in America.
Laketran Route 3 rider Maria N. with Rosa Parks sign in 2025
Rosa Parks, born February 4, became a symbol of strength and resistance in 1955 when she refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Her decision helped ignite the Montgomery Bus Boycott and propelled the nation forward in the fight for equality. Today, she is remembered as the “Mother of the Modern-Day Civil Rights Movement.”
From February 1 through February 7, Laketran and Geauga Transit will reserve the front seat on buses with a commemorative sign reading: “Reserved for Rosa Parks. Honoring the courage of Rosa Parks and her vision for equal access for all.”
“Public transportation is more than a ride—it’s access to opportunity, independence, and community,” said Brian Falkowski, Board President of Laketran. “Rosa Parks’ story is forever connected to public transit, and her courage continues to challenge us to keep building a system where every person is treated with dignity and respect. We invite our community to join us by taking part in this tribute and reflecting on the progress still worth pursuing.”
Community members are encouraged to participate by riding Laketran or Geauga Transit, taking a photo beside the reserved seat, and sharing the moment as a reminder that equality is not just history—it’s a continued responsibility.
“This tribute is a meaningful way to honor Rosa Parks and keep the conversation going about equity, respect, and inclusion,” said Pam Morse, Past President of the NAACP of Lake County. “We encourage residents to ride, reflect, and share their experience. It’s a small action that represents a powerful message—every seat, every voice, and every person matters.”
To help the community participate, the Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce Cares initiative is sponsoring free All-Day bus passes for those who want to ride during the tribute.
“The Chamber is proud to sponsor this tribute and stand alongside our partners in honoring Rosa Parks’ legacy,” said Dana Wolfe, Executive Director of the Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce. “Supporting the ‘Reserved for Rosa’ seat is a meaningful way to encourage our community to participate, reflect, and recognize that equal access and opportunity strengthen our businesses, our neighborhoods, and our future.”
Free All-Day passes are available through February 7 at these locations:
Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce
NAACP – Lake County, Ohio (Tues/Thursday 11 am – 4pm)
TERKK’s Computer Services PLUS
Painesville Furniture and Carpet