The Montgomery Bus Boycott was a political and social protest campaign started in 1955 in Montgomery, Alabama intended to oppose the city's policy of racial segregation on its public transit system. The ensuing struggle lasted from December 5, 1955 to December 21, 1956 and led to a United States Supreme Court decision that declared the Alabama and Montgomery laws requiring segregated buses unconstitutional.

The protest was triggered by the arrest of African American seamstress Rosa Parks on December 1, 1955. She was charged for violating racial segregation laws in Montgomery, Alabama after refusing to give her seat on a bus to a white man.

Wikipedia - Montgomery Bus Boycot

Shamefully, 50 years later, racism continues to be a problem in America. If you doubt that statement, read this transcript from CNN. I watched, "Out in the Open: Racism in America," last night, and I was not encouraged.

Racism is the open sore of America. It still exist, though it has went somewhat underground. I applaud Zahn and CNN for focusing on this issue. 50 years ago, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama bus. Mrs. Parks was no revolutionary, she was a simple woman who was just tired and did not see the justice in giving up her seat. She started a revolution, a revolution that created many martyrs.

Today, 50 years later, things have improved for African Americans in the United States. But problems remain, as the Zahn program so graphically illustrated. So many people want to forget the past. They want to pretend that things are all good. I say to them, "walk a mile in my skin," and tell me that.

I am a successful black man. I have traveled the world, educated myself, speak two languages fluently and have far surpassed the accomplishments of my parents. But I have been called a Nigger. I have felt the sting of discrimination and I have suffered the consequences...

Heroes like Dr. King, Mrs. Parks and the fallen Civil Rights workers, made it possible for my success, by opening doors that were once closed and bolted against me... I sometimes ask myself if 40-50 years later, they would be satisfied with the progress we have made... While I think they would be pleased, but I also think they would still be walking the lines, knowing that while battles have been won, the war is not over.

God Bless the heroes, and let us never forget their sacrifice!

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