CityLink is keeping the life and legacy of Rosa Parks alive
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — If Rosa Parks were alive today, she would be 112 years old. She died 19 years ago, but CityLink in Peoria is making sure that she is never forgotten.
In honor of Black History Month, CityLink is reserving a seat at the front of each bus route for her. For her birthday, Feb. 4, riders can find a yellow seat on bus 2238 for Rosa Parks. On other bus routes, CityLink has put a laminated picture of her and attached it to the reserved seat.
In December of 1955, Rosa Parks famously refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on a segregated bus in Alabama. Dr. ShamRA Robinson, the director of community engagement and public relations, said she paved the way for public transportation across the world.
'If she didn't do what she did at that time,' Robinson said, 'I might not be able to be standing here at this time as a leader for this organization and public transportation for a city like this.'
Robinson said Citylink is continuing to focus on accessibility through its CityLift paratransit service, which helps people in wheelchairs, those with disabilities, and anyone with mobility challenges who might otherwise not be able to use the public transportation system.
She added, 'We want to have equal opportunity for all. We need to have public access for all. And it's not just based on skin color, but it's based on just having that neutral understanding that at the end of the day, we're all humans, and we just want to support one another.'
CityLink will be honoring Black History Month throughout February. This will include a partnership with Peoria Public Schools, trivia in the transit lobby, and entries in its employee magazine.
Dr. Robinson commented on the celebration, saying, 'I'm very happy that we took a stance this year, especially with the political environment that we will continue to celebrate. Black History Month. It makes me proud as an employee to be a part of something so special.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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